In an effort to mitigate the environmental impact of industries, a collaborative initiative was launched to plant 2 million trees in the Kampala Industrial Business Park (KIBP), located in Namanve.
Roofings Group, a Ugandan manufacturing company, spearheaded the project in partnership with the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA), the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The launch event was held at Roofings Rolling Mills in Namanve and included prominent figures like the Minister of State Privatization and Investment, Hon. Evelyn Anite, and the Director General of UIA, Robert Mukiza.
During the event, Robert Mukiza commended Roofings Group for their commitment to sustainable industrialisation within the KIBP. He highlighted the company’s growth since establishing their factory 20 years ago and pledged UIA’s support in distributing the initial 2,000 trees to various industries within the park.
The Executive Director of NEMA, Barirega Akankwasah, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative and acknowledged the environmental impact of industrial activities. He commended Roofings Group’s vision for keeping the ecosystems alive and pledged NEMA’s full support in bringing the project to life.
Dr. Sikander Lalani, the Chairman of Roofings Group, expressed his gratitude to the Ugandan government and the attending officials for their contributions to the KIBP’s development. He elaborated on Roofings Group’s commitment to environmental responsibility, mentioning their “Forever Forestry Initiative” which distributes free tree seedlings. Additionally, he highlighted their role in providing oxygen to Ugandan hospitals, having produced 70,000 oxygen cylinders, especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Anite commended Roofings Group for their initiative and emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of corporate responsibility. She urged other companies to follow their example and highlighted the positive impact collaborative efforts can have on Uganda’s environment and communities.
The launch ceremony concluded with a symbolic tree-planting session led by Minister Anite and Dr. Lalani, alongside representatives from UIA and NEMA. This act solidified their collective commitment to environmental stewardship. The event also included networking opportunities and a luncheon for the attendees.
Roofings Group’s Tree Planting Initiative serves as a model for sustainable industrial practices and demonstrates their leadership in promoting environmental accountability within Uganda’s industrial sector. With the commitment to plant 2 million trees, this initiative has the potential to significantly improve the environmental health of the Kampala Industrial Business Park and its surrounding areas.
