At the edge of Kayunga district lies the 459-hectare Namananga forest reserve, a once- thriving ecosystem now heavily degraded by charcoal burning, firewood harvesting, and encroachment for construction.
At first glance, Namananga still appears like a forest, but a closer walk through its interior reveals the stark reality of deforestation and human intrusion. The reserve serves as a critical ecological link between Mabira Forest and Musamya Swamp, forming part of the wider Mabira ecosystem.
In an effort to restore the degraded landscape, the National Forestry Authority (NFA), in partnership with Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) and Rotary Club, has launched a Shs 372 million forest restoration project aimed at planting 80,000 indigenous trees.
Stuart Maniraguha, the acting executive director for Forestry, represented by Martin Mwodi Kegere, emphasized the importance of forests to Uganda’s environment and economy. He noted that forests supply over 90 percent of household energy needs, mainly through firewood and charcoal, and play a crucial role in protecting water catchments that support agriculture and industry.
Over the years, the Government of Uganda has set ambitious targets to restore forest cover, recognizing that environmental sustainability is closely tied to economic development. So far, NFA has planted 26,000 trees under the initiative, with 2,000 trees planted last week alone in Namananga Forest Reserve, covering 70 hectares out of the planned 200 hectares.
“A tree is a long-term investment. It requires patience, stewardship, and care. The forests of tomorrow depend on the commitment we make today. By planting trees, we are not only restoring forests but also rebuilding hope, resilience, and sustainability,” he added.
Felicite Nson, Managing Director of Uganda Breweries Limited, said forests are a reminder that meaningful change takes time.
“Standing in a forest reminds us that the most meaningful things in life grow quietly over time. A small seed becomes a tree, a stream becomes a river, and small actions taken together create lasting change,” she said.
“As we plant trees, we are doing something simple yet powerful investing in the future of our environment and the well-being of communities that depend on it.” She noted that the company’s operations are closely tied to Uganda’s natural resources, including water and agricultural inputs such as barley, sorghum, and maize, all of which depend on a healthy ecosystem.
“True conservation succeeds when organizations, businesses, and communities work together, including the dedicated eco-champions and local communities who protect these forests every day,” she added.
Rotary District 9213 Governor Geofrey Martin Kitakule said the initiative focuses on planting indigenous tree species such as mvule and mahogany to restore the natural ecosystem.
“This effort will also benefit communities. A healthy environment supports agriculture, and this forest reserve is part of the greater Mabira ecosystem that sustains key water bodies, including the River Nile and Lake Victoria,” he said.
Email:homelandnewspaper@gmail.com
