In a critical era defined by escalating climate challenges, proactive measures are more vital than ever. Recognising the urgent need to address environmental degradation in Uganda, Stanbic Bank Uganda has stepped forward by injecting Shs10 million into this year’s Run4Climate Marathon.
This support highlights the bank’s commitment to environmental stewardship, extending far beyond typical corporate social responsibility.
The Run4Climate Marathon, now in its fifth year, serves as the flagship campaign of the “Running Out of Trees” initiative.
Scheduled for June 29, 2025, at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds, starting at 6:00 AM, the event aims to mobilise Ugandans in a collective effort to restore the nation’s vital forest cover.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is impacting lives, livelihoods, and development,” stated Baziwe Alan, Vice President, Private Sector at Stanbic Bank, during the press conference where the donation was presented on Monday.
He emphasised the bank’s deep-rooted commitment, saying, “We are proud to support Run4Climate for the third consecutive year. Environment protection is not just a CSR checkbox; it’s embedded in our purpose as Stanbic Bank.“
This unwavering support from Stanbic Bank is a significant boost to the efforts of the Ministry of Water and Environment, which teamed up with Tree Adoption Uganda to organise the marathon.
Their objective is to plant 40 million trees annually to reclaim Uganda’s lost forest coverage and safeguard the country from the adverse effects of climate change in the future.
Uganda’s Shrinking Greenery
Uganda’s forest cover has faced a drastic decline over the past few decades. According to data from various sources, including Global Forest Watch and the National Forestry Authority, Uganda’s forest cover was estimated at 4.9 million hectares in 1990, covering about 24% of its total land area.
However, by 2018, this had plummeted to just 1.83 million hectares, accounting for only 9% of the land, representing a loss of approximately 3 million hectares in just 28 years.
More recent data from 2020 indicates natural forest cover at around 2.44 million hectares (10% of land area), but the loss continues.
From 2001 to 2024, Uganda lost a significant 1.16 million hectares of tree cover, equivalent to a 15% decrease of its 2000 tree cover area. If current trends of deforestation continue, some studies tragically predict that Uganda could lose all its forests within the next 40 years.
What Drives Deforestation
The primary drivers of this deforestation include agricultural expansion (accounting for over half of all deforestation), reliance on biomass for energy (firewood and charcoal), illegal logging, and urbanisation.
This severe environmental degradation leads to increased soil erosion, altered rainfall patterns, loss of biodiversity, and heightened vulnerability to extreme weather events like droughts and floods, which have already impacted millions of Ugandans.
Why Stanbic Bank’s Support is a Game-Changer
Stanbic Bank’s commitment to the Run4Climate Marathon and the broader “Running Out of Trees” campaign is a critical intervention for several reasons. They include but aren’t limited to the following;
Direct Impact on Reforestation
The Shs10 million directly contributes to the ambitious goal of planting 40 million trees annually, a vital step in reversing the alarming deforestation trends.
Raising Public Awareness
The marathon format serves as a powerful public awareness campaign, galvanising citizens from all walks of life to participate in environmental conservation. It transforms an abstract threat into a tangible, collective action.
Sustainable Development Integration
By embedding environmental protection into its core purpose, Stanbic Bank sets a precedent for other corporate entities. This aligns perfectly with the global call for businesses to play a leading role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
Long-Term Resilience
Investing in forest restoration is investing in Uganda’s future. Healthy ecosystems provide essential services like water regulation, soil fertility, and carbon sequestration, building national resilience against climate change impacts.
As thousands of Ugandans prepare to lace up their running shoes on June 29th, Stanbic Bank’s substantial contribution ensures that each stride taken is a step towards a greener, more resilient Uganda.
It’s a powerful statement that safeguarding the environment is not just a responsibility, but a strategic imperative for the nation’s development and prosperity.