Housing Finance Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability with a bold pledge to plant one million trees by 2027, as part of its ongoing Tiny Forests initiative. This announcement was made during the Bank’s World Earth Day 2025 celebrations, reinforcing its role as a champion of environmental transformation in Uganda.
The Bank’s tree-planting campaign will focus on the creation of dense, fast-growing bamboo forests across Uganda. These “tiny forests” are being developed in partnership with schools, such as Buganda Road Primary School, local councils including Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and grassroots communities. The initiative seeks to enhance biodiversity, restore soil health, improve air quality, and build climate resilience, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings.
The project directly supports key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
“Sustainability must go beyond policy—it must be rooted in purpose and action,” said Doreen Nyiramugisha, Head of Marketing and Communications at Housing Finance Bank. “Our commitment to planting one million trees by 2027 is a legacy for future generations—a demonstration of the transformative power of collective environmental action.”
As part of the celebrations, the Bank distributed 1,000 bamboo shoots—650 to its staff and 350 to customers—encouraging a nationwide tree-planting drive. Bamboo was specifically selected for its high environmental value, producing 30% more oxygen and absorbing over three times more carbon dioxide than most trees. It is also a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant that supports sustainable livelihoods.
Issa Katwesige, Assistant Commissioner for Forestry at the Ministry of Water and Environment, commended the Bank’s leadership in environmental stewardship.
“Housing Finance Bank’s commitment is a shining example of corporate responsibility. Initiatives like this are critical to restoring Uganda’s ecosystems, especially in urban areas where green space is most at risk,” he said.
The event was organized in collaboration with Greening Africa, whose Board Chair, Olga Rucogoza Ajiri, emphasized the initiative’s broader impact:
“Real change begins when we act. Through this project, we are not just planting trees—we are planting hope, resilience, and a greener future for all Ugandans.”
Through its Tiny Forests campaign and its clear goal of planting one million trees, Housing Finance Bank continues to position itself as more than a financial institution—it is a leader in environmental responsibility, working hand in hand with communities to create a sustainable and inclusive Uganda.