By Norbert Mao
Former Rotary club presidents from the different Rotary Clubs across Uganda, under their umbrella organization, Hope Creator Presidents, have planted trees at Akanyibedo Primary School and St. Nektarios Orthodox Nursery and Primary School in Pece-Laroo Division, Gulu City, as part of efforts to promote environmental conservation and create a lasting impact in the community.
Hope Creator Presidents are Rotary club presidents who served during the 2023–2024 Rotary year, operating under the global Rotary International theme “Create Hope in the World”
The tree-planting exercise was conducted on Thursday at the two schools by the Rotary leaders, who were in Gulu City for a retreat that combines environmental action, tourism and economic empowerment.
The group’s coordinator and former President of the Rotary Club of Gulu City, Laker Jolly Grace Okot, said the initiative is inspired by Rotary’s focus on environmental protection alongside other areas such as health, education and peace.
Laker said the prolonged dry spell has strengthened the group’s resolve to increase tree planting, particularly in institutions where the trees can be easily maintained by the communities.
The Hope Creator Presidents chose Gulu City as both their retreat and project destination, combining leadership engagement with practical community and environmental activities.
The tree-planting campaign is expected to contribute to increasing tree cover around institutions while encouraging learners and communities to take greater responsibility for environmental conservation.