Thanks to KAFRED and its partner, the Uganda-North Carolina International Teaching for the Environment (UNITE) Program, on 22 April, Uganda celebrated Earth Day for the first time. With over 1,500 people in attendance the celebration was a great success--bringing environmental conservation to the forefront of the day.

The event was primarily funded by local funding sources, and KAFRED was pleased to sponsor transportation for Bunoga Primary School, performance by the Nyange Dance and Drama Group, and free tours of the Bigodi Wetland. Other support was provided by UNITE, Andrew and Brothers, Caltex of Kamwenge, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Semuliki Royal, Kibale Forest Camp, Kiko Tea Estate, and other local anonymous donors.

Speeches were made by local politicians, the Uganda Wildlife Authorities Chief Warden for the Kibale Conservation Region, and Michelle Slavin of UNITE. The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Kamugisha Vincent, head teacher of Rwengobe Primary School. Professor Edward Rugamayo of Tooro Botanical Gardens, pictured below, was the chief guest. He helped children of Green Circle School plant trees, and addressed the gathering.

The celebration included performances by local schools and community groups, cooking and alternative energy demonstrations, movie showings, Bigodi Wetland tours, a raffle, and an exciting matooke peeling contest, which is shown below.

Bigodi Secondary School performed, as seen here:

A KAFRED employee explains how a solar oven works:

KAFRED is proud of its staff and members and of the UNITE teachers for coordinating such a successful event and is looking forward to Earth Day 2011!