Africa-Press – Uganda. Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), in partnership with the National Forest Authority (NFA) and Rotary International, has launched a three-year forest restoration initiative that will see 80,000 indigenous trees planted in the Namananga Central Forest Reserve.
The Shs 372 million investment forms part of UBL’s 80th anniversary activities and aims to restore sections of the 459-hectare forest reserve, which serves as an important ecological corridor linking Mabira Forest and the Musamya Swamp.
The reserve also protects key water catchments, including the Nalwe and Wugula streams, which support surrounding communities, agriculture, and wildlife.
Speaking during the launch, Felicite Nson said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to environmental sustainability.
“As we mark 80 years of brewing in Uganda, we know our business depends on a healthy environment,” Nson said.
“Today’s activities added 2,000 indigenous seedlings to the 26,000 already planted under this restoration effort. Restoring Namananga Forest supports the natural systems that sustain our value chain, from water sources to the crops grown by farmers across the country. That is why protecting and restoring ecosystems remains a clear responsibility and a priority for us.”
The project comes at a pivotal time as Uganda seeks to increase its forest cover. The Namananga restoration effort contributes to national ambitions of restoring forest canopy levels, currently estimated at 13.3%, toward long-term targets.
With an emphasis on native species, the partnership aims to rebuild a resilient ecosystem capable of sustaining biodiversity, regulating local temperatures, and safeguarding water resources that communities and businesses depend on.
The success of the initiative hinges on collaboration between public, private, and civil society actors. Martin Mwodi Kegere highlighted the broader significance of the effort on behalf of NFA.
“Restoring Namananga provides an opportunity to expand Collaborative Forest Management and ensure that what we plant is protected,” he said. “Today’s event is more than a ceremonial planting of trees—it is a declaration of our shared responsibility to restore Uganda’s natural heritage and secure its ecological future.”
Speaking on behalf of Rotary, Geoffrey Martin Kitakule emphasized the importance of partnership in delivering long-term environmental impact.
“The restoration of Namananga Forest is a significant undertaking that requires collective effort. We are proud to support UBL as they mark 80 years by giving back to the environment,” he said, calling for continued collaboration on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
The Shs 372 million investment goes beyond tree planting. All partners have committed to ensuring the trees survive and mature, restoring a critical ecosystem over the next three years. Success will be measured by increased forest cover, protected water systems, and sustained community benefit from the restored landscape.
