Summary:
- According to Ojale, the project not only contributes to combating climate change through environmental greening but also promotes economic growth by increasing incomes from fruit sales.
KATAKWI: The Atekok-Isuguro clan of Katakwi has distributed 430 trees of various species to local residents in memory of the late Augustine Ojacar, Uganda’s first agricultural commissioner.
Charles Hammer Odeng Ojale, a former aspirant for Ngariam County and a clan member, stated that the initiative aims to honor the legacy of Ojacar, who played a key role in establishing the NaRo Research Centre in Serere and introduced several tree species to the area.
According to Ojale, the project not only contributes to combating climate change through environmental greening but also promotes economic growth by increasing incomes from fruit sales.
The distributed species include guava, mango, cashew nut, jackfruit, orange, and sour sop among others.
Katakwi residents, who attended a thanksgiving mass held at Kaimoru Village in Abela Parish, Getom Sub-County, praised the Atekok-Isuguro clan for their efforts.
The tree distribution took place on Saturday, August 31, 2024, during a remembrance event for Mzei Ojacar, who was the first agricultural commissioner in Uganda.
Filberito Omoding, a native of Aleles Village, believes that the initiative is a fitting tribute to Ojacar, the first Itesot to serve in this prominent role.
Simon Peter Etukoit, the chairperson of Kaimoru Village, encouraged residents to pursue afforestation efforts to mitigate climate change, warning against tree chopping.
He emphasized that the LC1 court will penalize anyone violating environmental protection rules.
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Niyonzi of St. Stephen Catholic Parish, who officiated the mass, commended the clan and family for their Christian values and generosity.
The late Ojacar served as the first commissioner for agriculture from April 1989 to March 1992 and as associate director of the Research and Extension Liaison Unit at RARO from 1993 to 1998.
He passed away on February 1, 2023, at the age of 85, having retired from active service in 2000.
