Uganda Seeks Shs73 Billion to Fund National Agroforestry Strategy and Protect Shrinking Forests

Uganda’s natural forests continue to face severe degradation driven by agricultural expansion and a heavy reliance on firewood and charcoal for household energy. According to the Ministry of Water and Environment, the nation’s forest cover has plummeted from about 4.9 million hectares in 1990—representing 24 percent of the country’s land area—to roughly 13 percent in recent years.

Valence Arineitwe, Assistant Commissioner in the Forestry Sector Support Department, noted that over 90 percent of Uganda’s energy needs still rely on biomass. Arineitwe explained that while commercial tree plantations featuring eucalyptus and pine have expanded from 16,000 hectares to nearly 500,000 hectares, natural forests are still being lost rapidly to make way for farming.

To bridge the gap between food production and environmental conservation, the government and various stakeholders are mobilizing $19.8 million, approximately Shs73 billion, to roll out the National Agroforestry Strategy. Harriet Mbabazi, Team Lead at the Shared Resource Centre and Woord en Daad in Uganda, stated that funding will be sourced through a combination of government allocations, development partners, and private sector contributions.

Experts highlight that agroforestry can successfully tackle land competition by allowing farmers to cultivate crops, rear livestock, and maintain trees on the same plots. Dr Dickson Biryomumaisho, Executive Director of the Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation (TUNADO), pointed out that incorporating trees into farming practices also supports beekeeping and opens doors for farmers to tap into emerging carbon markets.

As the National Agroforestry Movement works to bridge policy commitments and practical execution, officials have stressed the importance of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Stakeholders aim to engage communities directly to ensure the strategy safeguards remaining natural ecosystems while uplifting household incomes across the country. Additional details can be found on the Nile Post.