Kayunga, Uganda | Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) is making a bold move to restore the Namananga central forest reserve, pledging over 372 million shillings to rejuvenate the degraded landscape. In partnership with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and Rotary, the initiative aims to plant 80,000 indigenous tree seedlings across sections of the 459-hectare reserve.
Once a thriving forest, Namananga has been severely impacted by timber harvesting, charcoal production, firewood collection, and agricultural expansion, particularly pineapple farming. The reserve is a crucial ecological corridor, connecting Mabira Forest with the Musamya swamp, and sustaining the Nalwe and Wugula streams that support local communities.
“We’ve seen enormous pressure on this ecosystem,” said Martin Mwodi Kegere, NFA’s Director of Plantations Development. “Partnerships with corporates like UBL are vital if we are to reverse this damage. This initiative supports our Strategic Plan 2020–2025, which aims to raise forest cover from 15 per cent in 2010 to 24 per cent by 2040, in line with Uganda Vision 2040.”
Uganda’s forest cover has grown only modestly from 9.5 per cent in 2015 to 13.3 per cent in 2024 according to Global Forest Watch. Experts stress that success will require more than planting; nurturing and protecting trees is essential to creating forests that endure.
For UBL, the Namananga project builds on an established environmental portfolio. Earlier this year, the company launched a one-billion-shilling Water Collective Action Program to protect water-stressed catchments nationwide. Previous initiatives include restoring degraded Gangu Forest in Butambala and supporting the nationwide “Running Out of Trees” campaign, which aimed to plant 40 million trees.
“We are committed to conserving the environment and supporting the country’s afforestation agenda,” said UBL Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo. “As the first major manufacturer to commit significant funds to catchment protection in Uganda, we hope to set an example and inspire other industry players to amplify their environmental impact.”
Rotary, which will help implement the project, framed the restoration as part of a broader movement to share responsibility for the environment. “Through Rotary Mission Green, we are planting trees and mobilizing Ugandans to conserve the environment for generations to come,” said Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, District Governor of Rotary District 9214. “The future of our environment depends on partnerships that pool resources, expertise, and commitment.”
The Namananga restoration project kicks off immediately, with UBL providing full funding, NFA offering technical expertise, and Rotary mobilizing community engagement. For local communities, where streams are drying and soil erosion is threatening farmland, the project represents more than forest cover it safeguards livelihoods, water security, and the natural heritage of future generations.
“This is about ensuring that Uganda’s natural heritage does not just survive, but also thrives,” Kilonzo said.