April 22, 2025 — On a landmark World Earth Day celebration, Greening Africa and Housing Finance Bank officially launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at planting one million trees across Uganda by 2027. This partnership marks a transformative moment in Uganda’s journey towards environmental restoration, urban resilience, and a greener future for generations to come.
The campaign was unveiled at a lively event held at Housing Finance Bank’s Head Office in Kololo, Kampala, where dignitaries, environmental leaders, corporate partners, students, and members of the community came together to kick off the project under the theme: “Tiny Forests for Greener Cities.”
From a Sustainability Idea to a National Movement
Greening Africa started as a simple sustainability initiative within Hostalite, pledging to plant a tree for every domain registered or website hosted. But the mission quickly outgrew the company. As Dickson Mushabe, CEO of Hostalite and Founder of Greening Africa, explained:
“It was a pleasure this week to see what started as an idea—with some action—become a national sustainability movement. Greening Africa now has legs to move on its own. We realized restoring green cover, building resilience, and creating livable cities needed more hearts, more hands, and more partners.”
Today, Greening Africa has an independent board, a clear mission, and committed partners ready to scale green initiatives across the country.
Tiny Forests: Small in Size, Mighty in Impact
Urban spaces in Uganda are increasingly constrained, but the Tiny Forest model offers a scalable solution. A tiny forest can start from just 4m x 4m, yet it brings immense benefits: improving air quality, enhancing biodiversity, reducing urban heat, and restoring degraded soils.
This model, focused largely on bamboo forests, was deliberately chosen. Bamboo produces 30% more oxygen and absorbs three times more carbon dioxide than most tree species, grows rapidly, requires minimal maintenance, and supports sustainable livelihoods.
As part of the Earth Day celebrations, Housing Finance Bank distributed 1,000 bamboo shoots — 650 to staff and 350 to customers across its branch network — encouraging individuals to become part of Uganda’s greener future.
Voices of Leadership and Purpose
Doreen Nyiramugisha, Head of Marketing and Communications at Housing Finance Bank, captured the heart of the initiative:
“Sustainability must go beyond policy—it must be rooted in purpose and action. Our commitment to planting one million trees by 2027 is a legacy for future generations—a demonstration of the transformative power of collective environmental action.”
Issa Katwesige, Assistant Commissioner for Forestry at the Ministry of Water and Environment, commended the initiative:
“Housing Finance Bank’s commitment is a shining example of corporate responsibility. Initiatives like this are critical to restoring Uganda’s ecosystems, especially in urban areas where green space is most at risk.”
Olga Rucogoza Ajiri, Board Chair of Greening Africa, emphasized the need for action over words:
“Real change begins when we act. Through this project, we are not just planting trees—we are planting hope, resilience, and a greener future for all Ugandans.”
Sarah Namutebi, representing KCCA’s Department of Urban Greening, also praised the collaboration, noting:
“Public-private partnerships like this one are crucial. They complement government efforts and bring lasting change to our cities.”
A Call to Every Ugandan: Plant a Tiny Forest
The success of the launch has sparked a wider call to action.
Dickson Mushabe urges everyone to join:
“If you have even the tiniest space—at home, at school, at work—reach out to us. We will gladly support you in planting your own Tiny Forest. The forests may be tiny, but the impact is mighty.”
The Greening Africa and Housing Finance Bank partnership directly supports UN Sustainable Development Goals — especially SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) — positioning Uganda as a leader in grassroots environmental action.
Together, We Plant Hope
This is just the beginning.
With every tiny forest planted, Uganda moves closer to a future where cities are cooler, air is cleaner, ecosystems are thriving, and communities are stronger.
Housing Finance Bank’s commitment, alongside Greening Africa’s mission, is a testament to what is possible when organizations come together with a shared vision: A greener, more sustainable Uganda.
One Tree at a Time. One City at a Time. One Million Trees Strong.
