By Our Reporter
The Church of Uganda has introduced a significant shift in burial customs as part of its broader efforts to safeguard the environment. In a move that signals a commitment to both ecological responsibility and cultural change, the Church has replaced the traditional practice of laying wreaths on caskets with the planting of trees during burials. This is just one component of the Church’s new Strategic Planning Framework for 2026-2030, which aims to address the growing environmental crisis and promote climate change mitigation across the country.
The Church’s decision to abandon wreaths in favor of tree planting is part of a larger vision to foster environmental awareness and action within its community. The framework, which was approved by the Provincial Council and House of Bishops, encourages all 39 dioceses of the Church of Uganda to step up their environmental initiatives. It outlines a commitment to climate change adaptation, environmental conservation, and disaster preparedness, with the overarching goal of influencing societal behaviors toward more sustainable practices.
One of the most innovative aspects of this strategic response is the emphasis on ecological practices during religious ceremonies. By replacing wreaths with tree planting, the Church aims to create a living legacy for the deceased—one that contributes positively to the environment. Tree planting not only commemorates the dead, but it also supports biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the overall health of ecosystems.
Additionally, the Church is pushing for greater integration of environmental issues into everyday religious practices. All priests are now encouraged to weave messages about climate change and environmental conservation into their sermons. This is a concerted effort to foster greater awareness among Christians about the importance of sustainable living and the risks posed by harmful practices, such as the use of plastic bags, which pollute the environment and soil.
Beyond sermons, each diocese will establish an Environmental Protection Coordination taskforce to oversee local environmental initiatives. These task forces will ensure that Church lands, both idle and productive, are put to good use—by planting fruit trees and other indigenous species to generate food and reduce carbon footprints. This shift also includes efforts to encourage renewable energy use and reduce the reliance on firewood for cooking.
The strategic framework also highlights the Church’s role in supporting sustainable agriculture. By training farmers in climate-smart farming techniques such as conservation farming, agroforestry, and pest management, the Church aims to reduce the negative environmental impacts of traditional agricultural practices. Strengthening farmers’ cooperatives and extending agricultural support will be central to this initiative, enabling farmers to adopt more sustainable practices and improve their resilience to climate change.
The initiative, spearheaded by Reverend Canon William Ongeng, Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, is rooted in careful analysis. It follows an extensive evaluation of the 2016-2025 strategic plan, and was developed after consultations with bishops, church leaders, and government officials. The resulting plan provides a roadmap for the Church’s role in addressing the environmental degradation that is increasingly affecting Uganda’s communities.
In a speech marking the launch of the framework, Archbishop Stephen Kazimba Mugalu expressed optimism about the plan’s potential to make a lasting impact. He urged the Bishops to work collaboratively with government agencies, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to achieve the outlined goals. He also highlighted the importance of a strong monitoring and evaluation system, with a dedicated 24-member steering committee to oversee implementation and ensure the plan’s success.
In addition to environmental sustainability, the framework also builds upon the Church’s broader mission of spiritual and community transformation. While it places a strong emphasis on climate action, it also prioritizes socio-economic development, community engagement, and institutional growth, aiming to create a holistic approach to addressing both spiritual and practical needs within Ugandan society.
Ultimately, the Church of Uganda’s decision to abolish wreaths in favor of tree planting represents a bold step toward environmental stewardship and social change. This strategic initiative signals a growing awareness within the Church of the critical role religious institutions can play in fostering sustainable practices and combating climate change. With its comprehensive approach to environmental issues, the Church hopes to inspire both its members and the wider community to take meaningful action for the protection of the planet.
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