By Henry Wanume
Teachers in Jinja district under their umbrella body Uganda National Teachers Union (UNATU) Jinja Chapter have celebrated the World’s Teachers Day under the theme ‘leading in crisis, re-imagining the future’ by planting trees in Kisima Island, Jinja district.
Speaking to Jinja Times, Hajjati Watongola the Chairperson of UNATU Jinja said they chose to plant trees due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on gatherings which deterred them from meeting in large numbers but also to play a part of conservation of the environment.
“We have chosen to plant trees because we know trees are very good for our setting. They are good for better retention, they lessen sun exposure, cool schools during hot conditions, and fruit trees can supplement school menus and trees planted in school compounds give learners an opportunity to learn about environmental conservation, ” she said. 
Elogu Peter, the vice Chairperson of the Union in Jinja and Head teacher at Spire road Primary school said they expected the head teachers to have called their Chairpersons of management committees to be the guest planters in a bid to create good rapport among the various school stakeholders.
Bakula Dorothy, the UNATU regional coordinator urged members of the school committee to ensure the tree planted at Busima Island II Primary school do not die. She also urged them to reach out to a teacher they know and have impacted upon them and appreciate them this week as UNATU is running weeklong activities in commemoration of World Teacher’s Day. 
Musana Andrew, the Councilor for the islands of Kisima I & II, and Lwabitooke lauded the teachers for the role they play in shaping the community and particularly for the trees planted in his area.
The celebrations climaxed with a luncheon at Main Street Primary school where Mr. Ebusa George Jinja South division Mayor aspirant was the chief guest.
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