Beat the Heat: COU Unveils Exciting Environmental Month Initiative for Ugandans

Uganda is feeling the heat. A severe heat wave is sweeping across the country, making everyday life challenging for many. In response, the Church of Uganda (COU) has kicked off Environment Month March 2025 to raise awareness about environmental protection, focusing on tree planting across the nation.

The Church acknowledges that the environment is deteriorating quickly, leading to a climate crisis that demands immediate action. Amid rising temperatures, scientists warn that we are on the brink of significant global warming. This situation calls for urgent steps to cool down our planet.

Last year’s temperatures set new records, raising concerns about our future. Reports indicate that this could signal a worrying trend toward a hotter world, characterized by more extreme weather events like floods and storms, as well as issues like rising sea levels and loss of species.

In light of these challenges, the Church is emphasizing the importance of environmental advocacy. Rev. Andrew Agaba, nestled in his role at COU, spoke about how religious institutions are pivotal in caring for our planet. He stressed that nature is not just a resource—it is a precious gift that sustains life.

Archbishop Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu officially launched Environment Month March 2025, underscoring the Church’s commitment to caring for the environment. He cautioned that environmental harm threatens not just nature, but justice and future generations as well. “We have a duty to act, and as people of faith, we must take our responsibility seriously,” he urged.

The Archbishop also praised the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for initiatives aimed at restoring wetlands but highlighted discrepancies in enforcement practices. He noted that while some people have been evicted from wetlands to protect them, others, often with more power, have escaped the same fate. This inconsistency poses a real challenge.

Lawrence Biyika Songa, a member of parliament from Ora County, echoed the urgency of addressing climate change, highlighting that its effects affect everyone equally, regardless of political affiliation. He called for stronger collaborations among various sectors—government, civil society, and private enterprise—to tackle these environmental issues effectively.

As Uganda faces more frequent heat waves and climate-related crises, leaders are calling for swift and decisive actions. The ongoing dialogue around environmental care is crucial, but it remains to be seen if these discussions will lead to real change.

Source link

Environmental Month,Church of Uganda,Climate change,HeatAs Ugandans feel the heat, COU launches Environmental Month<p><em>The current extreme heat felt across most of Uganda and beyond has especially drawn attention to what scientists are pointing to global warming &mdash; and the urgent need for action to prevent the planet warming further.</em></p>