Wakiso District Distributes 50,000 Seedlings to Boost Forest Cover

Wakiso District is making a significant push to increase its forest cover by distributing 50,000 tree seedlings to 52 local farmers. This initiative, managed by the district’s Forestry Department, aims to restore degraded land and mitigate climate change impacts in the rapidly urbanizing area.

The program encourages farmers, households, and community groups to plant trees during each rainy season, addressing the growing demand for timber and furniture that often leads to tree felling for construction and development.

“It is impossible to avoid the demand for timber and furniture given the high rate of construction in Wakiso,” stated Eng. Ian Kyeyune, Wakiso District Chairperson, emphasizing the need for sustainable tree replacement. He urged farmers, especially those on Bussi Islands where environmental degradation is a concern, to actively participate in forest restoration.

Kyeyune also cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the seedlings, advising them to nurture the trees as a long-term investment for both income generation and environmental benefit. The program intends to bolster household incomes through commercial tree farming.

The distributed seedlings include varieties like Mugavu, Kilundu, improved Muvule for furniture, and Eucalyptus for commercial purposes. Wakiso District Forestry Officer Harriet Nankya highlighted the critical importance of tree planting in the face of rapid urban growth, warning that a lack of tree cover could expose the district to environmental challenges.

“Wakiso is one of the fastest-growing urban districts, and tree planting will help protect our people from some of the calamities being experienced in different parts of the world,” Nankya noted. Farmers are encouraged to seek guidance from forestry extension officers for proper planting and maintenance. The district plans to continue seedling distribution in subsequent rainy seasons as part of its ongoing environmental conservation efforts.

Source: Nile Post