Stanbic Bank has joined hands with the Vumbula Uganda and Next Media Services to enhance environmental sustainability and contribute to the conservation of River Nile’s natural ecosystem through a tree planting drive.
A total of 1000 trees were planted today under the theme, ‘Greening the Nile’ as part of the broader mission to plant one million trees by the end of the year.
According to Saul Nabende, the Stanbic Bank branch manager for Jinja, the move is not only a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, community engagement but also perfectly aligns to the bank’s purpose; ‘Uganda is home, we drive her growth’.
He noted that beyond promoting local tourism, the Stanbic bank is also giving back to the communities along River Nile through this tree planting efforts and the different available financial inclusion solutions.
“Its our responsibility as the leading financial institution to ensure that climate change and its dangers are averted. Trees are the lungs of our planet. They purify the air we breathe, provide essential habitats for wildlife, conserve water, and combat climate change. By planting trees, we can restore ecosystems, prevent soil erosion, and create a harmonious balance between humans and nature,” Nabende said.
Benard Odoi Onen, the Eastern region Youth Member of Parliament hailed Stanbic Bank Uganda for championing the noble cause to carry on the conservation efforts started by their fore fathers in the region.
“As a generation, our fore fathers protected all this that God gave us, so It’s all our task to lead the talk as leaders and citizens. These River Nile fresh waters benefit over 40 districts in Uganda, from Jinja where we are now to Karamoja and beyond. Therefore its now upon us to conserve them for the future and generations that will to come after us.”
He urged parliament to support youth-led activities.
“From where I sit, I want to challenge the Parliament if Uganda to appropriate more funds to environmentally friendly initiatives. When you support youth-led initiatives like Vumbula, you are creating jobs, supporting tourism you also protecting our Mother Nature.”
He implored all youths and local communities along the River Nile catchment area to join the caravan and plant more trees because he has already secured 1.5 million seedlings from Vivcad Africa ready for distribution and planting.
This tree planting activity is part of the four day Vumbula Uganda Carnival, a tourism and art extravaganza celebrating the best of Ugandan Music on the Nile.
The carnival started on Friday May,31 and will go on until June,3 at the Nile Nest Resort in Jinja.
Akullo Jean Coprise, the Chief Communications Officer Vumbula Uganda, said compared to previous editions, revelers are being treated to a magical experience, packed with fun activities showcasing the best of Uganda’s tourism, art, culture and ceaseless music from two different stages and some 200 acts.
Jackie Abwol, the FlexiPay Head of marketing said they came on board to give back to its customers as well as celebrate Uganda’s beautiful diversity, especially with the youth that make up the biggest number of our population.
She said as the bank, they are still offering discounts on tickets purchased via the Flexipay mobile banking platform and other general discounts on selected snacks, drinks during the daily happy hour sessions.
“During happy hours, we have reduced all prices goods here by shs2000, Want people to enjoy life to the fullest. For years, Vumbula has been described as a premium celebration of the very best of Ugandan art, music, and cuisine. Therefore being here toasting and celebrating with our youthful clients makes a moment worthwhile.”
