In a powerful collaboration aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and sustainable development, the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) has partnered with Rotary District 9213 and Rotary District 9214 to launch a transformative new program dubbed the ‘EACOP Green Schools Initiative‘.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, will champion sustainability in schools located in the ten districts along the pipeline corridor.
The EACOP Green Schools Initiative is an ambitious program designed to transform learning environments in the districts of Hoima, Kikuube, Kakumiro, Mubende, Kyankwanzi, Lwengo, Kyotera, Rakai, Sembabule, and Gomba.
The initiative was championed by dedicated individuals on both sides, including Rotarians like Dr. Fabian Kasi, the Managing Director, Centenary Bank, Geoffrey Kitakule and Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, the MD Greenlight Investments Limited and Rotary District Governor for Uganda and Tanzania, among others.
“Commenting about the collaboration shortly after the signing of the MoU, Rotary District Governor Kitakule said, “This collaboration between Rotary and EACOP reflects what we do best: build partnerships that create lasting change. We stand united in delivering impactful service through education and environmental stewardship.”
“As Rotary Clubs of Uganda, we are committed to protecting our planet, empowering our youth, and being people of action. Let’s keep pushing boundaries. Let’s keep serving. Let’s keep leading,” he added.
The collaboration is seen as a model for how large-scale infrastructure projects can align with local development goals to foster a greener, more sustainable future for local communities.
According to Kitakule, this initiative is a key component of EACOP’s broader Social Economic Investment strategy, demonstrating a commitment to creating a positive long-term impact that extends beyond the project’s operational footprint.
Transforming Schools into Hubs of Sustainability
The core of the partnership is to equip schools with the tools and knowledge to become hubs of sustainability. This will be achieved through a multi-faceted approach that promotes eco-friendly practices and climate-smart solutions.
The program will focus on five key areas, which include;
Solar Power: Introducing clean energy solutions to schools, providing reliable electricity for lighting, computers, and other educational tools, while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Tree Planting: Engaging students and communities in tree planting campaigns to enhance local biodiversity, combat soil erosion, and contribute to climate mitigation efforts.
School Gardens: Establishing and maintaining school gardens to teach students about sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutrition.
Improved Sanitation: Implementing better sanitation and hygiene facilities to ensure a clean and healthy learning environment.
Environmental Education: Integrating environmental and climate education into the school curriculum to empower the next generation with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their planet.
By focusing on these areas, the initiative seeks to create a lasting legacy of environmental responsibility and climate resilience in the communities that host the pipeline.
Testament to Collaborative Vision
This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration between the private sector and civil society. For EACOP, it provides a structured framework for delivering on its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. For the Rotary districts, it offers a platform to leverage their extensive community networks and expertise in implementing impactful, grassroots projects.
This Green Schools Initiative not only promises to benefit thousands of students but also reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship in Uganda’s national development agenda.
It is a powerful example of how corporate responsibility and community action can be merged to create a positive and lasting impact.