LocationsHow the Nehemiah Initiative is shaping Uganda’s future, one tree at a time
April 22, 2025
Across Uganda, a quiet revolution is taking root. In October 2022, the Nehemiah Initiative: Greening Schools Project was launched by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, at the Teryet High Altitude Centre in Kapchorwa. The project is a joint effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), and the National Forestry Authority (NFA). It spans five regions—West Nile, Eastern, Western, Central, and Northern Uganda.
The goal: to transform school compounds into vibrant green spaces and empower a generation that doesn’t just learn about climate change, but actively combats it.
From the rolling hills of Kabale in the Western Region to the bustling schools of Mukono in Central Uganda, students and teachers are leading the change — turning dusty grounds into nurseries, barren plots into tree havens, and theory into tangible, lasting impact.
A student of Ndejje Secondary School watering the school tree nursery
At the heart of the initiative is practical, student-led participation. Learners across over 50 schools have rolled up their sleeves to construct nursery shades, prepare soil beds, plant seeds, and water tree seedlings every day. These aren’t just extracurricular activities — they’re life skills in action.
Teachers have reported a mindset shift. Tree planting is no longer an obligation — it’s a mission. In schools like Mityana SS, students see their efforts reflected in every growing seedling and feel part of something bigger than themselves.
“I have learnt many skills on this project like weeding, potting, mulching, and nurturing a plant from seed to planting. I now know how to care for trees.”Derrick, student at St. Joseph College Layibi, Gulu District
Schools as Living Classrooms
The Nehemiah Initiative is not just greening schools—it’s enriching the curriculum. In line with Uganda’s new lower secondary syllabus, educators are blending environmental theory with practice. Students now see biology, agriculture, and geography come alive through their daily nursery activities.
“This initiative has encouraged hands-on learning. Students see theory in action, and they’re more engaged than ever."Deputy Head Teacher, Kyenjojo Secondary School
Ownership is key. In every participating school, students take charge of their nurseries—watering, monitoring, and troubleshooting as teams, under the supervision and guidance of a senior tutor. This experiential learning is not only boosting academic engagement but also building responsibility, leadership, and teamwork.
Students of Kyenjojo Secondary School in Kyenjojo district
Beyond the School Gate
The impact of the initiative reaches far beyond school walls. At St. Noah Mawaggali SS in Luweero, community members regularly visit to learn about raising seedlings at home. Many schools are preparing to share excess seedlings with neighboring schools, while also providing training on nursery bed development — an inspiring example of education fueling local reforestation.
Beyond the schools, local leaders in districts like Kyenjojo and Kyankwanzi have been inspired to promote tree planting, designate green zones, and support wider seedling distribution — ensuring the greening wave spreads far and wide.
Green Dreams, Sustainable Futures
To scale and sustain the project, schools have begun forging partnerships. Collaborations with organizations like MWE and NFA are helping with seed supply and technical training. But the true transformation is in how students view the future.
Students at Bishop Senior Secondary School in the central region
“If we learn how to plant and sell seedlings, we can support our school and even our families."Brian, student at St. Kizito High School
This budding entrepreneurial spirit is turning seedlings into potential sources of income — adding a layer of sustainability and innovation to the initiative.
Challenges of the Project
Despite its growing impact, the Nehemiah Initiative faces several challenges on the ground. Many schools struggle with limited resources such as tools, water, and protective fencing for nurseries — particularly during dry seasons. Sustaining student engagement during exam periods and holidays remains an issue, while gaps in training for both learners and teachers hinder consistent nursery management. Nonetheless, the commitment from students, teachers, and partners is helping to overcome these obstacles with innovative, local solutions.
Conclusion
The Nehemiah Initiative is more than a tree-planting campaign — it’s a movement rooted in learning, community, and sustainability. It’s about growing minds as we green the country. And while challenges exist, the vision is clear: a Uganda where every school becomes a thriving centre for environmental stewardship.
With continued support, innovation, and commitment, this initiative is planting seeds of change that will bear fruit for generations to come.
Greening schools. Greening the future.
By Annette Kayonde Akimanzi, Communications Specialist