Umguza RDC joined hands with the Forestry Commission and other stakeholders in commemorating the National Tree Planting Day, which took place on the 3rd of December 2025. The event was held at Cement Primary School in Ward 2, Umguza District, where participants planted the tree of the year, the Sausage Tree (Kigelia africana) locally Known as Umve.

Commemorating National Tree Planting Day is more than a tradition, it is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the environment. It inspires communities to take action, restores degraded landscapes, strengthens climate resilience, and reinforces a culture of environmental stewardship, promotes carbon sequestration, contributing to carbon credits and greener, sustainable communities. Through this annual event, institutions and citizens unite to protect natural resources, promote greener spaces, and invest in a cleaner, healthier future.

The Sausage Tree itself is a symbol of resilience and abundance. Environmentally, it thrives even in dry conditions, stabilises soils with its deep roots, enriches biodiversity, and provides generous shade that cools and beautifies our surroundings. For people, it offers a wealth of benefits , from its well-known medicinal uses to its socio-economic value in traditional healing, cosmetic products, and community wellbeing. Its majestic canopy adds beauty to schools and public spaces, creating inviting environments for learning and interaction.

This initiative directly promotes several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: 3, 11, 13, 15

Together, this commemoration and the planting of the Sausage Tree reflect Umguza’s commitment to environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable development.