Canopy News Letter
Issue : 008 January 2025
Celebrating Our Collective Achievements in 2023/2024
In 2023/2024, we welcomed 8,880 tourists to the National Forestry Authority (NFA) Eco-Tourism sites across Uganda. Together, we planted over 14 million trees, significantly contributing to environmental conservation.
As my colleague Julie aptly puts it, "In the symphony of sustainability, each tree planted is a note of hope." Additionally, the NFA reclaimed 1,193,869 hectares from illegal settlements and surveyed 519.16 kilometers of boundaries in Central Forest Reserve areas.
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| An info graphic showing NFA Boundary demarcation and eco - tourists setting out for various destinations at NFA |
These accomplishments are a testament to your unwavering support. On behalf of the Senior Management team and all our partners, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
We look forward to your continued partnership in 2025 as we advocate for trees and work together to transform more landscapes and lives.
NFA welcomes World Bank Mission, UWA to South Western Uganda
The Ag Executive Director National Forestry Authority (NFA) Stuart Maniraguha, welcomed a delegation from the World Bank’s Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development (IFPA-CD) project and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officials to Echuya Central Forest Reserve (CFR) as part of an assessment of community engagement in conservation efforts. The visit focused on collaborative initiatives involving local communities, particularly the Batwa, a marginalized group from Rubanda, Kanungu, and Kisoro districts. Other districts visited include Rubirizi and Kasese. Read more
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| NFA, Batwa community members and the World Bank team at Echuya CFR reserve in Rubanda district |
National Forestry Authority receives accolade from Junior Command staff
Kampala,
Uganda – The National Forestry Authority honoured at its headquarters for
exceptional environmental conservation efforts. Represented by Ag. Director
Mwodi Martin Kegere on behalf of Acting Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha,
the NFA received recognition from the Junior Command Staff in Jinja. The
accolade acknowledged the agency’s commitment to sustainable forestry
management, reforestation, and local community engagement. Kegere praised
collaborative initiatives that combat deforestation and climate change,
emphasizing continued dedication to protecting Uganda’s forests for future
generations. This prestigious award underscores the NFA’s leadership in
environmental stewardship and its role in preserving Uganda’s natural heritage.
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| Ag Director Plantations Development Martin Mwodi Kegere receives an accolade from UPDF Junior Command staff officer |
World Bank Project
Boosts Kalinzu Tourism
The World Bank team, along with the Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda Wildfire Authority, and National Forestry Authority, visited Kalinzu to review the Investing Forests Protected Areas for Climate Development project. NFA South West Range Manager Sabiiti Charles reported impressive growth: the tourist numbers increased from 1,418 in the 2021/2022 financial year to 3,019 in 2022/2023, and further to 3,141 in 2023/2024, thanks to the project's interventions. Despite challenges such as procurement delays, limited field training, and insufficient community needs assessments, the progress remains commendable. The World Bank representatives expressed their appreciation for NFA's efforts.
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| NFA welcomes UWA and World Bank team to one of the innovative lodges in Kalinzu CFR |
Charles explained that this innovative lodge, along with two others in the area, is part of NFA’s strategy to collaborate with private players, boost tourism, and generate revenue.
Afterwards, the group followed a chimpanzee tracking trail to a new NFA-affiliated tourist lodge under construction.
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| NFA team walks the talk along Kalinzu CFR Eco - tourism trail in Rubirizi district |
Empowering Uganda's Youth to Lead Forest Conservation Efforts
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In the heart of Kampala, a vibrant celebration of creativity and
environmental advocacy unfolded at the 2025 Poetry Kachai—a unique event
officially officiated by the National Forestry Authority (NFA). Organized by
the Nile Basin International School, the gathering brought together youths from
various schools across Uganda, each eager to share their poetic visions on
environmental conservation and responsible living. The stage was set with a spirit of hope and empowerment. Young poets took
turns reciting verses that painted vivid pictures of Uganda's rich natural
landscapes and the urgent need to protect them. Their words resonated deeply
with the audience, encapsulating the challenges and possibilities that lie in
the path toward a greener future. Each poem served as a powerful reminder that
change begins with the enthusiasm and commitment of the youth. Amidst the applause and heartfelt recitations, Aldon Walukamba, the NFA
Communications Manager, took center stage. With passion and determination, he
addressed the assembly of environmental advocates and young leaders. "You
hold the power to lead change and safeguard our planet," he declared, his
voice echoing through the hall. Walukamba stressed that the energy and
innovative spirit of the youth are the catalysts for transforming Uganda’s
environmental landscape. "Young people are not just the future—they are
the voice of transformation today," he added, urging everyone to embrace
their role as stewards of nature. His call to action was clear: empower the youth, nurture their ideas, and
support their initiatives in conservation efforts. The event highlighted that
sustainable forest management is not solely the responsibility of governmental
agencies, but a collective mission that requires the collaboration of local
communities, private sectors, and especially young people. Through such
inclusive efforts, Uganda's fight against climate change and biodiversity loss
is gaining momentum, with the NFA's initiatives standing as a beacon of hope. The Poetry Kachai was more than a showcase of talent—it was a rallying cry
for proactive commitment to environmental stewardship. In a world facing the
challenges of climate change, the voices of Uganda’s youth remind us that every
action counts. Their creative expressions and unyielding determination pave the
way for innovative solutions, ensuring that Uganda’s forests remain vibrant and
resilient.
Together, as communities join hands with the leaders of tomorrow, Uganda is setting a precedent for sustainable development and conservation. The message was clear: empowered youth, when united with community support and visionary leadership, can drive lasting environmental change. This collaborative spirit is key to creating a future where both nature and humanity thrive in harmony. |
NFA's
Collaborative Effort Secures Uganda's Forest Future
In a
powerful display of environmental stewardship, Uganda’s National Forestry
Authority (NFA) is fulfilling its mandate to manage and develop central forest
reserves with robust support from diverse sponsors and the government. Under
the vigilant supervision of the NFA Board led by Dr. Eng. Christopher Ebal, the
authority is implementing groundbreaking initiatives to restore, protect, and
sustainably manage Uganda’s treasured forests.
Key
partners, including MTN Uganda, Coca-Cola, the World Bank, WWF, WCS, DTBANK,
Toyota Uganda, TOTAL, Uganda Baati, NCBA Bank, DHL International, ERA, FINCA,
Platinum Credit, Barclays Bank, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Rotary
Earth Initiative (REI) and the Government of Uganda, have united in a common cause. Their collaborative
efforts have resulted in restoring forest boundaries spanning 519.16 kilometers, planting over 14 million seedlings, and safeguarding 1,193,869
hectares of forest land.
These
ambitious projects not only bolster biodiversity and ecological health but also
strengthen community resilience and economic growth. The integration of public
and private resources has transformed Uganda’s forest conservation landscape
into a model of sustainability and innovation. Every partner’s contribution
reflects a commitment to preserving natural heritage for future generations.
The
editorial team led by Aldon Walukamba, Communications and Public Relations Manager commends the NFA management and staff for their exemplary
dedication and strategic execution. With consistent support from both
governmental bodies and private sponsors, Uganda’s forests are well on their
way to a secure, vibrant future that will benefit the entire nation. As Uganda
moves forward with collective determination, the NFA’s steadfast leadership and
the invaluable support of its partners forge a future of enduring forest
conservation and prosperity.
Understories
NFA Rejects KCCA move to dump garbage at Buto Buvuma forest reserve Read more
Army Joins in Kyewaga forest restoration ahead of Tarehe Sita 2025 Read more
- Boundary opening activities
- Community tree planting events
- NFA Anniversary April 2025
- International Women's Day March 8, 2025
- Pillars placement in Abim and Agago district' central forest reserve
- Corporate Tree planting
- UNDP – NARIS Documentary production
- Media and community advocacy activities in various ranges
- Visiting Partner Corporate entities
- Annual Report 2024/2025 dissemination
Thank you for reading
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