The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) in Uganda has launched an initiative to restore indigenous tree species in the Mt Elgon sub-region. The Partnering for Forests Development (P4F) Project, supported by the European Union, aims to reverse forest degradation, protect biodiversity, and strengthen community livelihoods. The project has intensified community sensitisation ahead of planned restoration activities in selected Central and Local Government Forest Reserves across Mbale, Bududa, Manafwa, and Sironko districts.
The P4F team has engaged district leaders and community representatives in Mbale District, focusing on the importance of restoring indigenous tree species and identifying alternative livelihood opportunities. Community leaders have identified opportunities such as apiary development, coffee growing, and forestry-related enterprises that could improve household incomes while reducing pressure on forest resources. The team also conducted field visits to Mutuufu and Kalonyi Local Forest Reserves as part of the wider assessment and sensitisation engagements.
In Mbale District, the P4F team engaged with ten Community Forest Management (CFM) group leaders representing communities surrounding Namatale Central Forest Reserve. The discussions centred on strengthening community participation in forest protection and identifying livelihood opportunities. Wanzala Sulayi, Chairperson of the Bufumbo Water and Environment Collaborative Forest Management Group, welcomed the initiative, emphasising the need for active community participation in forest restoration and conservation.
The project has highlighted the importance of inclusive participation, particularly the involvement of women in forest restoration planning, decision-making, and implementation. Nawire Azena, a member of the Bubyangu Community Forest Management Group, called for women to be given meaningful opportunities to participate in efforts to restore and protect forest resources. She observed that women are among the communities directly affected by forest degradation and should be involved in decisions concerning forest protection and sustainable management.
The P4F team extended its engagements to Sironko District, where discussions with district officials focused on strengthening public awareness, improving coordination, and building community capacity to participate in forest conservation. In Manafwa District, the team visited Bubulo and Busumbu Local Forest Reserves, engaging stakeholders on the importance of preparing surrounding communities before the commencement of forest boundary-opening operations.
George Kaija, the P4F Technical Support Officer, emphasised that restoring indigenous tree species in the Mt Elgon sub-region is essential for protecting the area's rich biodiversity while sustaining the livelihoods of communities that depend on forest resources. The restoration of indigenous vegetation is expected to contribute to the protection of natural habitats and strengthen the ecological functions of forests, while creating opportunities for communities to engage in environmentally sustainable economic activities.
The initiative is expected to promote cooperation between government institutions, district authorities, and communities while strengthening local ownership of forest conservation initiatives. The project aims to ensure that forest restoration programmes recognise the contribution of women, whose daily livelihoods are often closely connected to natural resources and the surrounding environment. The Mt Elgon sub-region depends on healthy forest ecosystems for various environmental and livelihood benefits, making sustainable forest management an important component of the region's long-term development.
Key points
- The European Union-supported project aims to restore indigenous tree species in the Mt Elgon sub-region.
- The initiative seeks to promote cooperation between government institutions, district authorities, and communities.
- Women are being encouraged to participate in forest restoration planning, decision-making, and implementation.
