With over 20,000 trees targeted this year alone, the Rotary Club of Sonde says its environmental story is only just beginning.
The Rotary Club of Sonde has stepped up its fight against climate change with a major tree planting initiative in Lazarus Forest, Nandere, Luwero District. In partnership with Bethany Land Institute, Tree Adoption Uganda, and with support from Roofing Uganda, the club planted 1,000 trees on Saturday as part of its 2025–2026 environmental campaign.
Club President Christine Benadet Alupo emphasised that environmental protection is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus and remains central to the club’s mission.
“Climate change is an issue that affects our environment, our forest cover, and the livelihoods tied to it,” Alupo said. “Today we are contributing to the reforestation of 60 degraded acres in this forest. Our annual goal is to plant over 20,000 trees, and we will not stop until we make a significant contribution.”
Lazarus Forest, once a 300-acre reserve, lost more than a fifth of its cover to human activity. Through partnerships, the Rotary Club of Sonde has committed to restoring the forest, with plans to return season after season until the land is fully revived.
The event also involved Rotary’s youngest members—“RotaKids”, who symbolized the sustainability of the project. “We’re planting trees because they stop drought and bring income,” said Matthew, a Primary Three pupil, while Tina, a Primary Five pupil, added, “Trees act as windbreaks and protect the community.”
Dr. Charles Olaro, immediate past president of the club, highlighted the health benefits of forest cover, citing reduced malaria outbreaks, improved food security, and protection against extreme heat.
Opata Peter Paul, Service Projects Director, underscored the importance of partnerships across Uganda, saying the club integrates tree planting in all its projects—from schools in Sonde to community centers in Kapir and Moroto. Sarah Fintetine, President of the Rotaract Club of Sonde, called on agencies and community members to join in planting and protecting trees for future generations.
From the host community, Kavuma Derick of Bethany Land Institute noted that Lazarus Forest had suffered heavy degradation from illegal logging, but partnerships with groups like Rotary are driving restoration.
“Lazarus means resurrection,” Kavuma explained. “Through consistent planting, we are bringing this forest back to life. Unlike many groups that plant and leave, Rotary Club of Sonde ensures that the trees they plant survive. That is true sustainability.”
Bethany Land Institute itself is running an ambitious campaign to plant one million trees by 2050—a vision aligned with Rotary’s goals of restoring Uganda’s ecosystems.
As the tree planting coincided with the global Season of Creation, participants reflected on the moral and spiritual duty to care for the environment. “Sustainability is about doing things now with future generations in mind,” Alupo said. “Our children are here planting with us because they will either benefit from our success or suffer from our failure.”
With over 20,000 trees targeted this year alone, the Rotary Club of Sonde says its environmental story is only just beginning.
