Opportunity Bank starts tree planting initiative with annual chairman's run

Opportunity Bank's headquarters on Old Kira Road buzzed with energy as over 300 enthusiastic participants gathered for the Annual Chairman’s Run 2024.

This year’s event, held under the resonant theme of “Planting Hope, Growing Change, Greening the Future,” marks a pivotal moment in the bank's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Since its inception in 2018, the Chairman’s Run has been a beacon of hope for various social causes across Uganda.

From supporting families affected by nodding syndrome to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and sustainable water solutions for refugees, the run has exemplified the bank's ethos of corporate responsibility.

This year, however, the focus extends beyond immediate relief efforts. Opportunity Bank launches a bold three-year tree-planting initiative aimed at fostering environmental awareness and nurturing biodiversity among Uganda's youth.

By planting over 50,000 native and exotic trees in schools and communities, the initiative seeks to sow seeds of change that will blossom into a greener, more sustainable future.

Opportunity Bank CEO Owen Amanya underscored the significance of the event.

"It was a very good run, and running 10km was quite challenging. But it was healthy waking up early and sweating a little bit while stretching the muscles. For us who sit a lot, we must get a chance to get on the road. It was a good run, and I enjoyed running with my colleagues," Amanya said.

Paul Soko, Board Director, elaborated on the chosen theme, “Climate change is a very important topic, particularly when you see how the environment is changing, how the rainy seasons are changing, and how the rain flow patterns are changing. For us, it is a very important theme because it affects the livelihood of the people we focus on most, like women, youth, and people with disabilities."

The winners, Myles Byarugaba  and Alex Mukiibi, echoed the community’s joy and enthusiasm, having conquered the 10km and 5km races respectively.

Their achievements highlight not only personal triumphs but also the collective spirit driving positive change.

The tree-planting initiative symbolizes a commitment to nurturing both the environment and future generations.

By creating green spaces within schools, Opportunity Bank aims to cultivate a deep-rooted culture of conservation among Uganda's youth, fostering a sustainable mindset that will endure for years to come.

As Byarugaba, the 10km race champion, proudly declared, “Today’s victory is not just mine but a celebration of our shared commitment to a healthier, greener Uganda.”