NUP Proposes Tree Planting as Alternative to Charcoal Ban

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has proposed tree planting as part of its rebranded Bobi Wine’s Solidarity Day, urging Ugandans to conserve the environment while criticising the government for restricting charcoal use without providing affordable alternative energy sources.

Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi said the party intends to use the monthly activity, previously known as Bobi Wine’s Day, to promote environmental conservation, support vulnerable communities and speak out against injustices affecting Ugandans.

Speaking at the NUP headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, Ssenyonyi said the party would mobilise supporters to plant trees during the celebrations, which take place on the first Sunday of every month.

“We are all for conserving the environment, and that’s why we are saying, for the Bobi Wine’s Solidarity Day, let’s plant trees, because it’s important that we conserve our environment,” Ssenyonyi said.

The initiative follows the rebranding of Bobi Wine’s Day to Bobi Wine’s Solidarity Day by the party’s new Secretary General, David Luswamu. The first edition under the new name is scheduled for Sunday, November 1, 2026.

The party says the activities will extend beyond community cleaning exercises to include support for families of detained supporters and people affected by violence during the campaigns ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Ssenyonyi said the initiative would provide an opportunity for citizens to take practical action on issues affecting their communities, including environmental degradation, while supporting people facing difficult circumstances.

He criticised the government’s approach to charcoal restrictions, arguing that environmental protection measures should be accompanied by proper planning and affordable alternatives for households that depend on charcoal for cooking.

He said the government should have established alternative energy options before imposing restrictions that could affect ordinary citizens.

“But if you don’t plan for alternative sources of energy, and then you say we are banning charcoal, you’re not planning at all,” he said.

His remarks come amid enforcement measures targeting charcoal production and trade in parts of Uganda, particularly northern Uganda, where authorities have clarified that the restrictions do not amount to a nationwide ban.

Ssenyonyi argued that the government should involve citizens in environmental protection rather than rely primarily on restrictions.

He called on the National Forestry Authority and other relevant agencies to make tree seedlings available to Ugandans for planting in their homes, gardens, streets and other public spaces.

“In fact, government should now be encouraging us, the local people. They should be availing these trees, National Forestry Authority and so on, avail these trees to the people of Uganda to plant in their homes, in their gardens and in their streets, different places,” he said.

He added that tree planting would give citizens an opportunity to contribute directly to environmental conservation while allowing the party to demonstrate its commitment through practical community activities.

Ssenyonyi also questioned the consistency of some government enforcement campaigns, citing previous restrictions and crackdowns that he said had not been sustained.

He urged authorities to consider the economic implications of their decisions, noting that fuel prices, exchange-rate movements and rising transport costs affect the prices of goods and services across the country.

According to Ssenyonyi, economic challenges should remain a priority in public debate rather than allowing other developments to distract citizens from issues affecting their livelihoods.

The Leader of Opposition also urged security agencies to allow the party to conduct its solidarity activities without interference, expressing concern that even peaceful initiatives could be treated with suspicion because they are organised by the opposition.

Ssenyonyi said the planned activities would include constructive community work, adding that the party wanted to contribute to addressing problems affecting Ugandans.

“I hope that police and the military will not come up to arrest people for planting trees,” he said.

He argued that environmental conservation should be encouraged regardless of the political organisation promoting it, calling on authorities to support initiatives that benefit communities.

Ssenyonyi also defended citizens’ right to express their views through different platforms, including Parliament, mobile phones and the media.

“As the people, as the citizenry, our biggest weapon as the people of Uganda is our ability to communicate. That’s the biggest tool that we do have, using our mouths, using our phones, using all manner of media to communicate,” he said.

He maintained that criticism of those in government should not be interpreted as a lack of patriotism, arguing that opposition supporters also love their country but disagree with some decisions and actions of those in authority.

Support for Besigye and Lukwago

The party has also called for support for families of detained supporters and people affected by campaign-related violence, making solidarity and community assistance central to the renamed monthly activity.

The planned activities come amid renewed concern over the health of detained opposition figures Dr Kizza Besigye and Erias Lukwago.

Besigye, the veteran opposition leader and co-founder of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), is undergoing speech and physical therapy following his collapse during a court appearance in Kampala on July 29, 2026.

In an update published on October 20, former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura said Besigye remained unable to speak and was receiving therapy to regain his speech and mobility. She said he could hear and was using an alphabetical chart and other means to communicate with visitors.

Nyanjura also disclosed that Lukwago was receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital, although the two opposition figures had not yet met.

Lukwago, a former Kampala Lord Mayor and PFF leader, was transferred to Mulago on October 19 after his health reportedly deteriorated while in detention. His lawyers have been pursuing an urgent bail hearing, citing concerns about his condition.

The two opposition figures remain in detention over separate proceedings linked to allegations of treason-related offences, which they deny.

Their health concerns have added to calls from opposition leaders and supporters for appropriate medical care and a resolution of their cases.

Although Ssenyonyi’s remarks at the NUP headquarters focused on environmental conservation, economic pressures and political freedoms, the party’s rebranded solidarity initiative is also intended to reach people affected by detention and campaign-related violence.

The first Bobi Wine’s Solidarity Day on November 1 is expected to combine community activities with tree planting, environmental protection and support for affected families.