DR Congo to Partner with Ugandan Cultural Leaders in Tree Planting Campaigns

Leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Mahagi Territory, located in Ituri province, have agreed to collaborate with Ugandan cultural institutions on tree-planting campaigns aimed at conserving the environment along the shores of Lake Albert.

The leaders emphasized that cultural leaders from both Uganda and DRC must work together to mobilize their communities for tree-planting efforts in the areas of Kolokoto (DRC) and Dei (Uganda). The call for joint action comes in response to significant environmental degradation caused by a lack of proper protection and conservation measures, leaving once-green mountains and hills barren.

The appeal was made by Col. Lalua Disamoa, the Territorial Army Commander of Mahagi Territory, during the Prix Kilimo Environmental Week, an annual celebration that recognizes efforts toward environmental protection. During the event, cultural leaders from both Uganda and DRC were awarded for their dedication to preserving the environment.

Col. Lalua Disamoa stressed the importance of involving cultural leaders in environmental protection, stating that cultural institutions should be empowered to lead tree-planting campaigns. “The issue of protecting and conserving the environment shouldn’t be left alone to the government, but cultural institutions must be empowered to protect and conserve the environment since they have the strength to mobilize community members,” he said.

He pointed out the environmental strain caused by the high demand for firewood and charcoal, particularly at the landing sites along the lake. The depletion of natural trees, which would otherwise act as a shield to protect the environment, has exacerbated the situation in both Uganda and DRC.

On the Ugandan side, Rwoth Kaal Kwonga of Panyimur, Mr. Stanley Thopacu II, represented the Alur cultural leaders and was awarded UGX 5 million for his efforts in mobilizing his community to plant trees in local schools. Thopacu highlighted the significant environmental impact of firewood consumption, stating that approximately 10 tons of firewood are transported to the Panyimur market every market day. 

In response, Thopacu’s chiefdom has enacted a bylaw to protect the environment, prohibiting activities like burning grass and cutting down trees. "We have our bylaw to protect the environment; whoever burns or cuts down trees for charcoal burning will be arrested and taken to prison. We started implementing it last year, and copies of the bylaw are taken to court, district, and sub-county," Thopacu said.

The event also featured remarks from Mr. Robert Agenonga, the Mahagi Territorial Member of Parliament and the initiator of the Prix Kilimo environmental award. Agenonga urged cultural leaders to further mobilize their communities to plant more trees, adopt climate-smart agriculture, and respond to the challenges of climate change and food security. 

He also emphasized that the challenges posed by climate change are not exclusive to DR Congo but affect all nations. "The challenge of climate change isn’t in DR Congo only, but it cuts across all the nations. We need to send in the same message regarding climate change, that’s why we awarded environmental defenders from the Ugandan side," Agenonga said.

This is the second Prix Kilimo award event, where over 30 environmental defenders, cultural institutions, groups, and individuals each received a cash award of UGX 5 million for their efforts. The initiative aims to accelerate tree planting and environmental conservation across the border regions of Uganda and DR Congo.