Canopy News Letter

  Issue : 009                                                                                                   February 2025

Published 12 times a year, the National Forestry Authority's (NFA) e-newsletter, The Canopy Newsletter, provides a comprehensive roundup of the month's top forestry news. It covers a wide range of topics, including forest reserves, rangers, forest lands, biomass, forest products, international forestry, innovation, and more.

National Forestry Authority News 

NFA Boosts Forest Plantation Area, Achieving Key Targets

The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has made significant progress in expanding forest plantations on Central Forest Reserves (CFRs), aligning with the National Development Plan (NDP III) and the NRM Manifesto targets. The total area of forest plantations on CFRs increased from 163,553.8 hectares to 220,951 hectares, a growth of 57,397 hectares. This represents 85.8% of the projected 257,475 hectares under the NDP III.

Notably, 56,851 hectares of the cumulative 165,000 hectares are under licensed tree farmers. The area allocated for commercial forest plantations on 256 CFRs across the country grew from 110,368 hectares (55%) in 2023 to 165,000 hectares (82%) in 2024, demonstrating NFA’s commitment to sustainable forestry and contributing to Uganda’s green economy goals.

Church of Uganda Launches Environment Focus Month

NAMIREMBE – 28th February 2025: The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, launched the Environment Focus Month, urging collective action to combat Uganda’s environmental challenges. He called for growing of trees, an end to selective wetland evictions and stressed the need for a national waste management plan.

Stuart Maniraguha, the Ag. Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority, applauded the Church’s environmental efforts. “Environmental conservation is no longer just a livelihood but a source of life,” he said, pledging NFA’s support for tree-planting initiatives.

Pictorial of Environment focus month launch at Church of Uganda headquarters in Kampala

NFA, JGI to Enhance Community Livelihood Programs In Bugoma Landscape

L-R : NFA DNFM Tom Rukundo, JGI Executive Director, Assistant Commissioner FPD- MWE Issa Katwesigye, Byamukama James, NFA’s Ag. Executive Director, Stuart Maniraguha and NFA Ag DPD Martin Mwodi

Kampala, 25/2/25 – The National Forestry Authority (NFA) and Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) have partnered to improve community participation in conservation and enhance livelihoods in the Bugoma landscape, Kikuube, and Kagadi districts. JGI Executive Director, Byamukama James, announced a grant from Austria’s Ministry of Energy to fund these efforts. NFA’s Ag. Executive Director, Stuart Maniraguha, thanked JGI for aiding the cancellation of illegal land titles and restoration efforts. The project, set to launch on February 27, 2025, aims to address firewood scarcity, water shortages, and human-wildlife conflicts while promoting sustainable livelihoods.

NFA Participates In Nakasongola Court Open Day

Nakasongola, 10/2/25 – The National Forestry Authority (NFA) participated in Nakasongola’s Court Open Day, hosted by the Judiciary. Principal Judge Dr. Flavian Zeija emphasized alternative dispute resolution methods for promoting community peace. NFA Legal Officer, Okello Sam Blick, commended the judiciary’s support in managing forestry cases, urging speedy resolutions to protect forest reserves. Katuugo Plantations Manager, Nuriat Tumanye, lauded judicial efforts in environmental justice, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding forests for future generations.

NFA Marketing Officer Michael Odeke and Katuugo Plantations Manager Nuriat Tumanye explain to Guests at Nakasongola

NFA Partners with Rotary Club Munyonyo for Tree Planting

Sentema, Wakiso District, 5/2/25 – The Rotary Club of Munyonyo, in partnership with the National Forestry Authority (NFA), launched a 3,000-tree planting initiative. NFA’s Ag. Director of Plantations Development, Mwodi Martin Kegere, commended the partnership, noting the importance of afforestation in mitigating climate change. Rotary’s Director of Service Projects, Specioza Kiwanuka, highlighted the initiative’s broader goal of planting 50,000 trees and its long-term benefits for the community, including medicinal and food properties. NFA provided 3,000 seedlings for the effort.

NFA Ag Director Plantations Development addresses Rotarians at Sentema about Urban tree planting

NFA Partners with Marafiki Initiative to Promote Urban Tree Restoration in KCCA  

KAMPALA – The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has pledged to support the planting of pollinator habitats in urban areas through the Buzzline Initiative, launched today in partnership with Marafiki United Green Initiatives. Aldon Walukamba, NFA’s Communications Manager, said the project will contribute to Vision 2040’s goal of 24% tree cover and create jobs in forestry, carbon markets, and agro - forestry.  Hannington Serwanga, Buzzline National Coordinator, emphasized the importance of reviving pollinator habitats to restore ecosystems, while Buganda’s Principal Environment Officer, Teddy Nabakooza, praised the initiative for aligning with the kingdom’s conservation efforts.

Centre NFA CPRM Aldon Walukamba and partners at the Buzzline Event

National Forestry Authority - Ranges

Kyenjojo Tree Nursery Hosts French Ambassador

(C)France Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Xavier Sticker, led by Mwenge Plantation Manager, Herbert Kyaligonza (L)

Kyenjojo, 17/2/25 – The National Forestry Authority’s Kagora Tree Nursery welcomed France’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Xavier Sticker, during his UNHCR mission. The Ambassador participated in nursery activities such as potting and weeding, showcasing support for environmental conservation efforts. The visit was led by Mwenge Plantation Manager, Herbert Kyaligonza, with NFA staff emphasizing the importance of tree nurseries in forest restoration initiatives.

NFA Completes Boundary Opening of Anyara CFR

Evident : NFA Pillar placed at a boundary between Anyara CFR and community land

Anyara, 20/2/25 – The National Forestry Authority (NFA) successfully completed the boundary opening of Anyara Central Forest Reserve (CFR), covering 171 hectares. Local communities and authorities actively supported the exercise, acknowledging the forest's importance as a catchment for Lake Kyoga and a source of fuel wood. NFA also held a sensitization meeting with adjacent communities in Kalaki District, following requests by the District Security Committee to ensure smooth boundary open.

NFA, ECO & Platinum Credit Launch Partnership to Restore West Bugwe CFR

BUSIA – 19/2/2025: The National Forestry Authority (NFA) and Ecological Christian Organisation (ECO) have launched a 20-hectare forest restoration project in West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve (CFR), funded by Platinum Credit as part of its corporate social responsibility.

NFA Kyoga Range Manager Michael Kusoro, staffs and partners watering a tree in West Bugwe CFR

The partnership was inaugurated by Busia Resident District Commissioner, Ms. Hajirah Namagogwe, who commended the efforts of NFA, ECO, and Platinum Credit in supporting President Museveni’s vision of planting 40 million trees annually.

NFA representative Mr. Michael Kusuro emphasized that the project will boost forest cover and promote eco-tourism, while ECO-MD Isaac Kabongo highlighted benefits for local communities in operations for the nearby Bululu Hills CFR.

 

Editorial News

Forestry: A Key Pillar in Enhancing Water Capacities and Environmental Resilience in Uganda

As Uganda gears up for the 2025 Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK), it’s essential to spotlight the critical role of forestry in enhancing the country’s water capacities and environmental resilience. Forests are fundamental to the water cycle, acting as natural sponges that regulate water flow, prevent soil erosion, and improve water quality. By conserving and expanding Uganda's forest cover, we can ensure a more sustainable water supply, mitigate flooding, and improve agricultural productivity—key elements for poverty reduction and economic growth.

Forestry is also a pivotal player in climate action. As UWEWK 2025 explores the intersection of water, environment, and climate resilience, it’s crucial that the forestry sector be recognized as an effective tool in combating climate change. Sustainable forest management not only preserves water resources but also provides local communities with improved livelihoods. The integration of these practices will ensure Uganda's natural resources are safeguarded for future generations. 

Aldon Walukamba - Editor

 

Understories

How viable is carbon trading for the mangrove business? Read more

The future of forests starts in the classroom Read more

Upcoming Events:

• Boundary opening activities
• Community tree planting events
• NFA Anniversary April 2025
• International Women's Day March 8, 2025
• Water and Environment week 2025
• Corporate Tree planting
• Media and community advocacy activities in various ranges
• Visiting Partner Corporate entities 

 

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