Equity Bank, in partnership with the Kenya High Commission, has launched the second phase of a reforestation project aimed at planting over 43,000 indigenous trees on the slopes of Mwiri Hill at Busoga College, including establishing a 10-acre orchard. Equity Bank has committed Shs85 million to the initiative, which is part of a three-phase campaign to restore the hill’s original forest cover.
The second phase of the project was officially inaugurated with a tree-planting event at the school, attended by the Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Maangi, and Equity Bank’s Acting Head of Social Investment Projects, Elizabeth Wahito. Members of the school’s alumni association, Equity Bank representatives, school staff, and community members also joined the event.
During the launch, Wahito expressed Equity’s dedication to restoring the hill’s forest cover. “Equity is committed to reforesting Mwiri Hill by planting 110 acres of indigenous trees,” Wahito said. “This is the second phase; we started in March this year with 40 acres of indigenous trees and a 10-acre orchard. Today, we are adding another 40 acres. We encourage the community and school staff to help care for these trees and protect them.”
The Kenya High Commissioner, Joash Maangi, highlighted the importance of the project for climate change mitigation and youth engagement in conservation efforts. “Climate change has changed our rain patterns—now it rains unpredictably. We need to protect our environment to address this,” said Maangi. “Last year, we hosted an environmental conference and committed to taking action, with Mwiri as one of our focus areas. Planting trees on 110 acres proved costly, so we reached out to Equity Bank, and their support is invaluable to our mission.”
Mwiri Hill, where Busoga College is located, was once densely forested but has suffered deforestation over the years due to farming and commercial activities, leaving it bare and vulnerable to erosion. The reforestation project aligns with Equity Group’s larger goal to plant 35 million trees across the six countries where it operates. Equity’s technical partners will help identify priority areas for tree cover, assess degraded regions, recommend suitable tree species, and ensure proper tree maintenance.
Equity Bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond reforestation. Through its Energy and Environment pillar, the bank supports the transition to clean energy, aiming to reduce reliance on wood fuel, charcoal, and fossil fuels. To expand its impact, Equity introduced the Equi-Green Loan, accessible via mobile and in branches, enabling communities and institutions to invest in clean, affordable energy solutions.
Equity is also working closely with farmers, assisting them in obtaining both indigenous and fruit tree seedlings, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and supporting environmental resilience across the region.
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