Location / SC

Bunyaruguru subcounty, Rubirizi District.

Entry year

2003

Trees Planted

3000

Reverend Elkad Mujizi, the Assistant to the Archdeacon of the Western Ankole Diocese, has witnessed the profound impact of the Trees for Global Benefits (TGB) project on both the Church and its community. He is thankful for ECOTRUST’s initiative and recognizes how tree planting has transformed the Church’s land.

Although Reverend Elkad wasn’t directly involved in planting the trees, he has seen how the project has protected the Church’s land from potential land grabbers. Wilson Turyahikayo played a key role in introducing the Church to the TGB project, which was seen as both a financial opportunity and a way to safeguard the land.

In 2006, the Church decided to plant two species of trees: Grevillia and Prunus Africana. Grevillia grows quickly and provides quick income and high-quality timber, while Prunus Africana, which lasts longer and stores more carbon, helps ensure the project’s sustainability. Additionally, Prunus has medicinal uses that benefit the local community.

The carbon payments from the trees have become an important source of funding for the Church’s projects. Reverend Elkad actively shares this with new church leaders, helping them understand the value of tree planting and ensuring the project’s continuity.

Reverend Elkad highlights how the TGB project has brought stability and appreciation to the Church. Everyone, from old to new leaders, understands its importance, and the trees symbolize a long-term investment for the future.

Wilson’s advocacy for including institutions in the TGB project aligns with Reverend Elkad’s belief that working together ensures the project’s long-term success and benefits both the local community and the environment.

Reverend Elkad congratulates ECOTRUST on 20 years of supporting the TGB project and hopes the initiative will continue to grow, benefiting the Church and its community for years to come.