Ugandan troops are actively participating in an extensive tree planting campaign within the North Kivu province.

Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba, the Ugandan Troops Contingent Commander, inaugurated the campaign on Tuesday by planting 3,000 trees.

Uganda’s peacekeeping troops stationed in the conflict-affected North Kivu Province of the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have launched a comprehensive initiative for planting trees in the Rutshuru territory, aimed at advancing environmental preservation.

Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba, who leads the Ugandan Troops Contingent, officially launched the campaign on Tuesday, marking the occasion by planting a total of 3,000 trees. Hyeroba emphasized that this endeavor underscores the dedicated efforts of the Ugandan troops to uphold environmental conservation and fulfill their role as guardians of the ecosystem.

He further explained that in addition to the tree planting initiative, Ugandan troops will engage in educating civilians about the significance of tree planting in their own lands and the importance of environmental protection.

Hyeroba outlined the scope of the campaign, stating that various tree species such as eucalyptus, gravera, jackfruits, mangoes, and pawpaws will be planted across locations including the Ugandan troops’ headquarters in Nyongera Kiwanja, Bunagana, Tshengerero, and Mabenga.

He expressed concerns about the rampant degradation of trees and land cover in the area and its potential impact on the climate in the coming years if not addressed promptly.

Since last year (2022), the March 23 (M23) rebel movement has repeatedly accused the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the DR Congo government of extensive environmental degradation, particularly through tree cutting for charcoal production and sale.