Over 1 million tree species planted as HOCADEO steps up environmental conservation in Kibaale

13 November 2025, 8:05 pm

By Joseph Kato

In a major push for environmental conservation, Hoima Caritas Development Organisation (HOCADEO) a non-governmental organisation, has planted a total of 1,140,000 tree species across Kibaale district.

Through the Restore Africa Program funded by Climate Asset Management and implemented by HOCADEO started in Kibaale district in 2023 covering 9 Subcounties of Bubango, Kabasekende, Mugarama, Kyebando, Kasimbi, Kayanja, Nyamarwa, Matale and Karama.

The indigenous tree species including, mahogany, grevillea, flowering prunus, musizi and fruit trees like citrus, mangoes, guava, avocado, and jackfruit have been planted by selected 5,380 farmers.

Rodgers Wamela, the monitoring and evaluation officer at HOCADEO Kibaale branch notes that to ensure sustainability and community involvement, the organisation works directly with farmers, supported by Community-Based Animators (CBA’s).

Wamela adds that they are targeting to plant 1.7 million trees in 5 years by the help of 23,920 farmers on at least 38,000 hectares of land across the district.

Yacob Bamutura the LCII chairperson Rwega parish in Bubango Subcounty has attributed to the seasonal climate change disasters that affect parts of Kibaale to increased practices of cutting down trees, intense surface winds.

Some beneficiary farmers express their optimism that the trees planted by HOCADEO will restore the forest cover and avert hazardous climatic change by improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity.