By Alfred Opio
The Senior Natural Resources Officer for Pallisa District, Muhammed Samuka, has expressed concern over the continued mismanagement of tree seedlings distributed to residents, warning that the trend is undermining environmental conservation efforts.
Speaking from his office, Samuka said his department has consistently provided tree seedlings to communities, but many beneficiaries fail to plant them as required. Instead, some residents reportedly keep the seedlings on verandas where they eventually dry up.
“The government injects millions of shillings into environmental conservation programs, but it is unfortunate that some people are taking these efforts for granted,” Samuka said.
He pointed out that the consequences of low tree coverage are already being felt, citing a recent storm that affected several parts of Pallisa District, with Kibale County among the hardest hit areas.
According to Samuka, the destruction caused by the storm was worsened by the lack of sufficient tree cover.
“If these areas had adequate tree coverage, the impact of such storms would have been minimized,” he explained.
Samuka emphasized that it is not the responsibility of his office to plant seedlings on behalf of residents, but rather to ensure they are distributed. He called on beneficiaries to take personal responsibility to plant and nurture the trees for environmental sustainability.
He further warned that the natural resources office will soon begin monitoring beneficiaries, adding that anyone found keeping dried seedlings on verandas will be held accountable.
However, some residents have raised challenges affecting tree planting efforts.
Johnson Apedel from Chelekura Sub County said that although he plants the seedlings he receives, many are destroyed by free-roaming animals.
He called for the enforcement of bylaws to control stray animals, arguing that this would help residents successfully grow trees.
Another resident, Erufasi Ojulong from Kamuge Sub County, faulted the timing of seedling distribution, noting that they are sometimes given out during dry seasons.
“Distributing seedlings during dry seasons is risky because most of them dry up even after planting,” Ojulong said, adding that while irrigation can help, some residents are reluctant to water the plants consistently.
The concerns highlight the need for better coordination between authorities and communities to ensure tree planting initiatives achieve their intended environmental benefits in Pallisa District.
