The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has partnered with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in a European Union–funded initiative that will see five million indigenous trees planted across Eastern Uganda over the next five years.
The program aims to restore degraded ecosystems, build community resilience, and support livelihoods tied to natural resources.
The ICU on Friday unveiled details of the partnership, describing it as a landmark step in expanding environmental conservation efforts in the Teso sub-region and beyond.
Speaking to reporters in Soroti, ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ocole said negotiations are in their final stages.
“As a cultural institution focused on the well-being of our people, climate change action is one of the areas we are determined to invest in. Tree planting is a big deal for us because there is an urgent need to step up climate change action,” Ocole said.
He emphasized that ICU sees environmental protection as inseparable from community welfare. Although the exact budget has not yet been disclosed, Ocole revealed that funding has been secured under the EU’s greening and re-afforestation program.
“We are not sleeping. We are working each day to create a sustainable solution to the striking effects of climate change,” he added.
The program is expected to benefit 15 districts in Eastern Uganda, with eight located in the Teso sub-region. Implementation will begin in October, with ICU taking the lead in mobilizing clans, identifying beneficiaries, and ensuring sustainability.
A key feature will be the creation of a forest corridor in the Napak belt of Karamoja, which is projected to boost biodiversity and protect livelihoods.
Ms. Gianna Da Re, Forestry and Agro-forestry Consultant at AICS, said the Italian agency will handle the timber forest value chain, capacity building, and technical implementation.
“The program will not only involve large-scale tree planting but will also strengthen local capacity to manage forests sustainably,” she noted.
The project has also attracted international attention. A delegation of diplomats and stakeholders from Denmark, alongside Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, is scheduled to meet ICU leaders in Soroti City on Tuesday to finalize the operational framework and ensure community involvement.
For ICU, the initiative is part of a broader mission to safeguard natural resources while improving socio-economic well-being. Local clans will play an active role in nurturing seedlings, protecting trees, and integrating conservation practices into daily life.
The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, established in 2014, is Italy’s official body for international development and humanitarian assistance. It operates in over 20 countries, supporting sustainable growth, environmental protection, human rights, and institutional strengthening. In Uganda, its projects include renewable energy, rural development, and climate change adaptation.
Through the ICU partnership, AICS is extending its expertise in forestry, agro-forestry, and community-based resource management to help combat deforestation and promote long-term environmental sustainability in Eastern Uganda.
