Equity Bank in partnership with the Kenya High Commission and Million Trees International has embarked on a tree-planting campaign. The three-phase project that kickstarted in March 2024 will see over 43,000 indigenous trees planted on the slopes of Busoga College Mwiri hill, including 10 acres of orchard.

The project is supported by Equity Bank to the tune of Shs85 million.

The second phase of the three-phase project was launched on November 04^th during a tree-planting exercise at the school led by the Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda, Ambassador Maangi Joash, Equity Bank's Acting Head of Social Investment Projects, Elizabeth Wahito, members of the Old Boys Association of Busoga College Mwiri & members of the student body.

Speaking at the second exercise of the tree planting exercise in Busoga College Mwiri, Ms Wahito said, “Our Mwiri hill project was divided into three phases. The first phase, we did in March, April rains and we were able to plant 40 acres. For the second phase today, we have planted 40 acres as well. Then we will have a third & final phase in March, April where we will plant 30 acres together. So, I am urging the students, the teachers & community leaders to please take care of the trees. Let's grow them together because you are always here. If you see a tree dying, do something.’’

Kenya High Commissioner to Uganda Ambassador Maangi Joash shared his appreciation for Equity Bank’s collaboration on this project. He added that the initiative will contribute towards addressing climate change. It is also an opportunity to engage young people in environmental conservation as well as provide the community with an opportunity to earn an income through tree planting and maintenance activities.

Busoga College Mwiri sits on the slopes of Mwiri hill. The slopes of the hill on which the school was built were once a forest but have over the years been degraded due to encroachment by farmers and commercial activities. These human activities have left the hills bear and prone to erosion.

The reforestation of Mwiri hill is part of the wider Equity Group target to plant 35 million trees across the six countries it operates in. Its technical partners will provide technical support including the Identification of hotspots that require urgent tree cover or rehabilitation of degraded forests; mapping out agro-ecological zones and identification of suitable tree species for planting; identification of high-quality tree seedlings stocks across the country; and support by partner and staff at local levels to supervise the proper planting and maintenance of the trees.

Through its Energy and Environment pillar, Equity Bank supports the transition to clean energy that reduces reliance on wood fuel, charcoal, and fossil fuels like kerosene as a source of energy.

To reach a larger scale and create more impact, the Bank also created an energy loan dubbed Equi-Green Loan available digitally via mobile network and at branches. The loan supports the community and institutions to access clean and affordable energy for use.

Equity is also working with farmers to support them in purchasing both indigenous tree seedlings and fruit trees.