Africa-Press – Uganda. Moroto Regional Referral Hospital has rolled out a green initiative to improve its environment and promote sustainability by planting trees and enhancing waste management within the hospital compound.
The campaign, led by hospital staff, aims to plant over 500 trees in and around the hospital as part of its first phase.
The project is being implemented in partnership with Sightsavers, a global development organisation that supports health and environmental programs in Uganda.
Dr Stephen Pande, the hospital director, said the tree-planting drive is part of the facility’s broader strategy to foster a cleaner, more patient-friendly atmosphere.
“We believe that a clean and green environment contributes significantly to the recovery process of patients. These trees will provide shade, reduce dust, and improve the overall aesthetics of our facility,” said Dr Pande.
Alongside the tree planting, hospital staff received training in proper waste management practices, including safe disposal of medical waste, reducing plastic use, and improving general sanitation.
Nancy Akuje, Sightsavers’ project coordinator, praised the hospital for taking a leading role in environmental protection in the region.
“This is a model example of how health institutions can take responsibility not just for patient care, but also for environmental health,” Akuje said, adding that Sightsavers is supporting the initiative through technical and material contributions.
In its second phase, the hospital plans to expand the campaign to surrounding communities, with outreach efforts targeting nearby schools and health centres.
The Karamoja sub-region, where Moroto is located, has been severely affected by climate change, with rising temperatures and erratic rainfall contributing to environmental degradation.
Local leaders have lauded the hospital’s effort as a timely intervention that aligns health care with climate action.
The hospital is appealing to the public and development partners to support the campaign through donations of tree seedlings and participation in future clean-up activities.
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