

25 June 2025, 7:16 am
By James Muhumuza
The signing of the 19 CFM agreements marks a key milestone in Uganda’s forest conservation journey and sets the foundation for inclusive, community-led protection of vital forest ecosystems across the Albertine region.
In a major step toward promoting sustainable forest conservation, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Uganda and Kabarole Civil Society Organizations Network (KCSON), in partnership with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and with funding from the World Bank, have launched 19 Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) agreements under the Investing in Forests and Protected Areas for Climate-Smart Development project.
Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) is an approach where local communities actively participate in the management of forest resources, alongside government agencies and other stakeholders.
This partnership aims to ensure sustainable forest management and improve the livelihoods of forest-adjacent communities.
CFM involves negotiating agreements between forest user groups and responsible bodies, where the groups take on specific responsibilities in exchange for benefits like access to forest resources
The official signing event took place yesterday 24th June 2025 at Kyenjojo District Council Hall and brought together stakeholders from across the Albertine landscape, including representatives from West Nile, Bunyoro, Tooro, Greater Ankole (Mitooma, Bushenyi, Rubirizi) and South-Western region (Rukungiri and Kanungu).
Philip Kihumuro the WWF Project Manager, noted that the agreements are aligned with national forest management guidelines and aim to ensure joint stewardship of Central Forest Reserves such as Kagombe, Kyaterekera, Paro Kyamugenyi, Kitega, Kanyegaramire, and Kyarwehuta in Ibambaro.
Kihumuro said these agreements empower communities to co-manage forest reserves in a way that balances conservation with sustainable use.
Stuart Maniraguha, Executive Director of NFA, praised WWF and KCSON for their leadership in advancing climate-smart environmental practices and mobilizing community groups that meet national standards.
Maniraguha emphasized urges all participating communities to remain committed and work hand-in-hand with district authorities to protect forests.
The Kyenjojo Resident District Commissioner, Julian Sarah Ayesiga, commended the initiative for helping to ease human-wildlife conflict and promote harmony between communities and nature.
She said Collaborative forest management is helping the country restore the relationship between people and the environment.
The Kagadi District Lc5 Chairperson, Ndibwami B. Yosia, encouraged local leaders to champion the agreements and play a proactive role in preserving natural resources.
He stated that the country needs strong local leadership to keep the momentum for environmental protection.
CFM group members also committed to taking an active role in forest protection, community sensitization and reporting encroachment activities.
A representative of the CFM groups said they are ready to protect forests, raise awareness in their communities and report illegal activities.