Deputy British High commissioner visits METGE

Deputy British High commissioner visits METGE

In a significant visit to Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE), Her Excellency Ellis Louise, the Deputy British High Commissioner expressed her admiration for the community-driven initiatives aimed at fostering environmental sustainability and economic empowerment. Over the course of three days, Louise immersed herself in the projects being implemented by METGE, witnessing firsthand the impact of tree planting on local livelihoods.

\”I am truly impressed by the commitment of METGE and the communities they serve,\” remarked Her Excellency Louise during her visit. \”It\’s inspiring to see how they are seizing the opportunity to plant more trees and empower their lives

 “One aspect that particularly caught Her Excellency Louise’s attention was the emphasis on gender equality within the projects. She commended the pivotal role women play in driving these initiatives forward and extended her gratitude to both METGE and the Welsh government for their support.

“I have been impressed by work on gender and bringing women to the fold as well. They play a leading role in driving these initiatives “She said.

 Mr. Hugh King, the climate and environment policy specialist in the British High commission, echoed Her Excellency Louise’s sentiments regarding the Welsh Government’s support. He emphasized the potential for partnerships between METGE, the Ugandan government, and various organizations working in the climate policy landscape. Mr. Hugh highlighted potential investment opportunities in areas such as beekeeping and value chain commodities, aiming to leverage existing partnerships for the benefit of the Mount Elgon region.

Further, Mr. King stressed the British government’s commitment to climate action, underscoring the significance of increasing forest cover and quality to tackle global challenges like environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. He acknowledged the crucial role trees Play in stabilizing watercourses, citing bamboo plantings Observed during the visit.

 During a visit to Bumaena Nursery, Rehema Makumba, Chairperson of Bumaena Women\’s Group, highlighted the significant benefits they\’ve gained from METGE, including financial empowerment through village savings and loans (VSLAS), bee keeping an increased self-esteem among women.

“Bee hives have been strategically sited, and we actively engage in beekeeping. We are now financially empowered. Men now understand women’s capabilities are not limited. Women with newfound self-esteem can now freely contest for political

Positions” she said.

She added ‘“As a gender champion, we\’ve empowered men by educating them on gender roles through support by METGE.”Decision-making is now collaborative, and men recognize the importance of women\’s involvement. We\’ve received vegetables,

Generating income to support families and other incentives. Men now appreciate the benefits of women participating in VSLAs due to the gender project

Deborah Nabulobi, another beneficiary, emphasized how METGE has alleviated poverty and aimed to establish green, prosperous communities with low poverty levels and enhanced educational opportunities for children. “Our goal is to create green, prosperous communities with low poverty levels for women. All children attend school, and we aspire to establish our own microfinance institution, ensuring financial independence “she said

Mr. George M Sikoyo, Executive Director of METGE, expressed pride in Her Excellency Louise\’s visit. He noted that this would provide positive impact on the community\’s morale and determination to plant trees.

As Her Excellency Louise concluded her visit, she left behind a sense of optimism and determination among the METGE Community. Her words served as a reminder of the importance of collective action in safeguarding the environment for future Generation