Kampala — he loss of forest cover has led to increased temperatures responsible for global warming, the environment state minister has said.

Jeje Odongo said, "We have lost more than 52% of the 70% forest cover due to forest degradation. The problem has been compounded by increased population which has increased demand for firewood and timber."

Odongo was launching a tree-planting project by the Senior Command and Staff College at Kimaka on Monday.

He hailed the UPDF for initiating a tree-planting project and called on other institutions to join the tree-planting campaign.

He challenged the National Forestry Authority to plant many tree species, adding that hardly 1,000 hectares of trees had been planted by the authority in one year.

The UPDF officers and staff planted 203 eucalyptus trees. Other species like the pines would be planted later.

Lt. Gen. Elly Tumwine said the project aimed at creating enough sources of tree seedlings for the whole country.

He called for a law that requires every citizen to plant at least 12 trees a year.