Ibanda District has kicked off an ambitious re-afforestation campaign aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and securing the Mpanga water catchment, a vital resource for communities in western Uganda.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE) through the Albertine Water Management Zone (AWMZ) and funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, focuses on using tree planting as a sustainable water resource and land management tool.
The campaign targets the restoration of 40 hectares of degraded land across individual, communal, and public areas.
Launched on Friday in Rukiri Sub-county, the effort builds on earlier work in February this year, which saw over 2,000 trees planted in the Rushango catchment area.
The project is now expanding into Nyamarebe, Kashangura, Ishongororo Town Council, and beyond.
AWMZ Team Leader, Ebbu Emanuel, underscored the ecological and hydrological importance of the initiative.
“This area feeds into River Rushango, which in turn supplies River Mpanga,” Ebbu explained.
“By planting trees here, we help raise water levels, improve soil stability, and increase the availability of water downstream. But we can only succeed if the community owns and protects this effort.”
Immaculate Atuhaire, AWMZ’s Contract Manager, said the campaign was preceded by extensive community sensitization.
“We didn’t just hand out trees—we trained farmers on their long-term environmental value. Trees do more than produce timber; they help regulate temperature, conserve biodiversity, and combat desertification,” she said.
Ibanda District Chairperson, Happy Herbert Mayanja, pledged strong district support to protect the newly planted trees.
“This is not just a planting exercise—it’s a generational investment. We are fully committed to making sure these trees grow, thrive, and transform our landscapes,” Mayanja said.
Officiating the launch, Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Mbetegyereize called the re-afforestation campaign a critical tool in enhancing climate resilience and improving local water systems.
“Trees are nature’s lifeline—they offer shade, bring rain, and stabilize our climate. Let’s all take responsibility to ensure this initiative succeeds,” the RDC urged.
The re-afforestation drive represents a strategic push in Uganda’s wider environmental agenda to restore critical ecosystems, protect water catchments, and foster climate resilience—especially for communities relying on the Mpanga basin for livelihoods and drinking water.