Partnering for Forests Development project Takes Forest Restoration to Teso

by Felix Omalla

The Ministry of Water and Environment, through the Partnering for Forests Development Project, is stepping up efforts to reopen and secure forest boundaries and restore indigenous tree species across the Teso sub-region.

The initiative targets selected Central Government and Local Government Forest Reserves in Soroti, Serere, Kalaki, Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kumi, Ngora, Amuria and Bukedea districts. Pre-restoration sensitisation is preparing district leaders and communities to participate in boundary-opening, forest restoration and long-term protection.

Michael Kusuro, Senior Forest Officer at the Ministry of Water and Environment responsible for the Teso, Busoga and Bugisu sub-regions, said the initiative would strengthen relationships between communities and forest managers.

“Restoring our forests is not just about planting trees. It is about rebuilding trust, improving how communities value and use forest resources, and encouraging them to protect these resources for generations to come,” he said.

In Bukedea, the team identified Bukedea Central Forest Reserve, Kachumbala and Koreng Local Forest Reserves for consideration, while discussions highlighted the need to resolve boundary concerns and prevent encroachment.

In Serere, engagements included visits to Omodoi Local Forest Reserve and Akimega–Agwata Central Forest Reserve. Soroti district leaders expressed support for the initiative, with discussions focusing on restoration priorities, boundary-opening and stronger community participation. In Katakwi, district officials emphasised the importance of community awareness and improved protection of forest biodiversity.

Bob Owiny, Soroti District Local Council Five Chairperson, said: “District leadership must pave the way for this project to succeed. Communities should embrace it, participate actively and benefit from the restoration of their forests.”

Simon Okello, Senior Environment Officer in Katakwi, observed that the initiative would contribute to improving the district’s biodiversity.

George Kaija, Technical Support Officer for the project, emphasised the importance of securing forest boundaries and restoring tree cover.

“When forest boundaries are protected and indigenous trees are restored, forest cover can recover. This will contribute to Uganda’s ambition of achieving 15 per cent forest cover by 2030,” he said.

The project is supported by the European Union and partners in Uganda under the Forest Partnership with the Government of Uganda.

The P4F project will in the next five years restore 1,600 hectares of natural trees, re-open 275 kilometers of forest boundaries create 1,500 forestry related jobs and improve forest community people’s livelihoods in the sub regions of Teso, Bugisu and Busoga

The P4F Project is supported by the European Union and implementing partners in Uganda under the Forest Partnership with the Government of Uganda.