As forests face increasing pressure and climate awareness continues to grow around the world, some companies are stepping up with tangible action. In Uganda, TOA Uganda, a subsidiary of TowerCo of Africa, is leading by example, making environmental sustainability central to its mission. Between October 17 and 24, 2025, over 13,000 trees were planted in Kitubulu Forest Reserve and 16 pilot schools in Entebbe, engaging more than 3,000 students and teachers.
But this initiative goes beyond numbers: it builds skills, strengthens institutional partnerships and inspires a new generation of responsible citizens.
Ecological and socio-economic context in Uganda
Uganda faces rapid deforestation: forest cover dropped from 4.9 million hectares in 1990 to less than 2 million in 2015 (National Forestry Authority), losing around 50,000 hectares annually. This threatens biodiversity, water resources and community resilience.
For TOA Uganda, sustainability is not optional: protecting ecosystems is also protecting connectivity, as both towers and communities rely on a stable, thriving environment.
The National Green Schools and Restoration Campaign
The National Green Schools and Restoration Campaign officially launched at Entebbe Secondary School, bringing together Youth Go Green (YGG) as the main coordinating organization, with sponsorship and logistical support from TOA Uganda. The initiative united several key public and private partners, including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the National Forestry Authority (NFA), the UPDF Air Force Environment Unit, Entebbe Municipality, Roofings Group and the Ministry of Water & Environment.
The campaign was executed in two phases. On October 17, at Kitubulu Forest Reserve, around 2,000 participants, including students, teachers, and community members, planted more than 5,000 native trees such as Mahogany, Musizi and Albizia. This pre-restoration marked the first step in a collective ecological rehabilitation effort. On October 24, the initiative extended to 16 pilot schools, where an additional 8,000 seedlings, including fruit trees, were planted to enhance food autonomy and climate resilience. Each school benefited from technical guidance provided by YGG and TOA Uganda, combining practical training, environmental education and the creation of school-based eco-clubs.
The educational and hands-on activities allowed students to learn how to plant and care for trees while gaining a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and climate issues. This approach empowers students to become ambassadors for sustainability, sharing knowledge and inspiring awareness within their families and communities.
Measurable Impact
The campaign has generated tangible and multidimensional impacts. Environmentally, the planting of 13,000 trees has helped restore degraded areas and strengthened local ecosystems, while native and fruit-bearing species have enhanced biodiversity and climate resilience. Socially and educationally, over 3,000 participants gained hands-on experience in tree planting and conservation and school-based eco-clubs were revitalized and integrated into annual educational programs. Families and communities around the schools were also engaged in sustainability efforts, amplifying the initiative’s impact.
Institutionally, the campaign reinforced collaborations between the private sector, governmental authorities and environmental institutions. Extensive media coverage by UBC, NTV, NBS, BBS, Capital Radio, Parrots Uganda and Plus News Uganda highlighted TOA Uganda’s leadership as a responsible TowerCo. This visibility showcased the replicable model of combining CSR, education and environmental stewardship.
A CSR strategy creating shared value
TOA Uganda’s approach goes beyond philanthropy. Its strategy rests on three pillars:
| Pillar | Contribution | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Ecosystem restoration, native species | Reduces environmental risks around sites |
| Education & Inclusion | Training and awareness for 3,000 youth | Builds social capital and local skills |
| Institutional & Business | Cooperation with authorities and NGOs | Improves social license to operate and sector leadership |
Monitoring ensures traceable and measurable results: tree survival, educational activities and eco-club performance.
Next steps and future plans
The Entebbe pilot represents the first phase of a nationwide program with the ambitious goal of planting 20 million trees by 2030. Regional nurseries will be established to provide high-quality seedlings to schools and communities. Youth Go Green Clubs will be strengthened to ensure continued engagement and active participation of students in environmental conservation. Schools will integrate tree planting and monitoring into their annual programs and regular follow-up will measure both tree survival and the educational impact of the initiative.
TOA Uganda will continue to act as a strategic partner, ensuring the program’s consistency, sustainability and replicability across Africa. This initiative demonstrates how a TowerCo can combine business success with social responsibility and environmental action.
Key Takeaways
TOA Uganda mobilized over 3,000 young people and teachers to plant 13,000 trees in October 2025. Sixteen pilot schools participated in the initiative and 5,000 trees were planted in Kitubulu Forest Reserve. The campaign illustrates how a TowerCo can create significant ecological, social and educational impact while reinforcing its reputation and leadership. The nationwide rollout is planned, with ongoing monitoring and the establishment of regional nurseries to ensure long-term sustainability.
Let’s co-create ESG programs with measurable impact. TOA Uganda supports companies, institutions and operators seeking to combine sustainability, education and local innovation.
