The National Forestry Authority (NFA), in partnership with Bank of Baroda, has launched the 2025 national tree planting campaign, beginning with the restoration of 20 hectares in the degraded Jubiya Forest Reserve in Bukakata Subcounty, Masaka District.
The campaign was officially launched by Bank of Uganda Governor Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, who joined local residents, environmentalists, and government officials in a large-scale tree planting exercise aimed at reversing the effects of deforestation in the region.
Jubiya Forest Reserve has suffered extensive degradation over the years due to illegal logging and charcoal burning, activities that have decimated indigenous tree cover and disrupted local climatic patterns.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Atingi-Ego emphasized the urgent need for environmental protection and sustainable agriculture.
“We must ensure we sustain our environment and keep it safe,” he said. “What we’re calling for is responsible agriculture—agriculture that works with nature, not against it. Our weather patterns depend on the forests we protect today.”
As part of the restoration efforts, NFA has already planted 12,000 indigenous tree seedlings in Jubiya.
The initiative is part of a wider national strategy to reclaim Uganda’s lost forest cover, in line with the National Development Plan IV.
NFA Communications Officer Aldon Walukamba stressed the environmental and legal urgency behind the effort.
“Tree planting is a directive under Uganda’s development agenda, and we are grateful to every partner who supports us,” Walukamba said.
“In just the last month, we have arrested and prosecuted 68 individuals for illegal timber harvesting and charcoal burning.”
He also reported a modest but significant increase in national forest cover—from 12.2% in 2020 to 12.8%—and urged communities to adopt sustainable, forest-friendly livelihoods.
“We are actively sensitizing communities to embrace environmentally resilient practices. These not only conserve biodiversity but also provide a route out of poverty,” he added.
Bank of Baroda Managing Director Shashi Dhar reaffirmed the bank’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility as part of its corporate social responsibility mandate.
“This tree planting initiative is not a one-off event—it’s an ongoing responsibility we must embrace as responsible citizens,” Dhar said.
“We plan to distribute more trees to our customers and promote greener practices across all our operations.”
Masaka Assistant Resident District Commissioner Sarah Nakyanzi applauded the collaboration, urging strict enforcement of environmental laws.
“There are laws in place to stop forest destruction, and we must enforce them,” Nakyanzi said. “I commend the NFA and Bank of Baroda for taking this bold and necessary step to restore our forests.”
With Uganda facing mounting challenges from climate change and deforestation, stakeholders say initiatives like this highlight the collective responsibility required to protect and restore the country’s natural ecosystems.
