By Weswa Ronnie
BUGISU
The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has today Thursday, 21st May, 2026 planted over 50,000 trees along different river banks in Sebei and Bugisu regions.
The exercise is part of NEMA’s activities leading up to the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) celebrations to be held on Friday, 22nd May, 2026 at Bukinda Sub County headquarters, Mbale District.
Victor Nakhaboye, Commissioner for Environment Enforcement and Field Operations who represented the Executive Director said the initiative aims to restore river banks and prevent soil erosion, prevalent in Bugisu and Sebei regions.
He made the revelation while planting bamboo tree seedlings along River Namahe located at Bukiende Sub County in Mbale district.
He says that they are also teaching people how to plant these tree seedlings at river banks.
Michele Ikanut, Assistant Commissioner NEMA Eastern Region, urged locals to avoid planting Eucalyptus trees along river banks saying they pose environmental risks.
Anthony Mulekhwa, Sango Parish Councilor, welcomed the initiative and requested NEMA to donate bamboo seedlings to locals to combat soil erosion.
