Ecotrust Uganda Targets a Fully Green Environment in 10 Years

31 October 2025, 9:03 am

By Otim Moses

Ecotrust Uganda, a non-governmental organization that has operated in Uganda for over 25 years, has pledged to achieve a completely green environment within the next decade. The organization is currently implementing projects in four districts of the Acholi sub-region — Kitgum, Lamwo, Agago, and Pader — working in three sub-counties in each district.

Through the TASLL Project, Ecotrust Uganda aims to conserve over 65,548 hectares of natural forest in the Agoro-Agu landscape by sustainably reforesting 15,000 hectares of land across multiple holdings, including areas within refugee settlements. The project plans to plant six million indigenous trees within four years and establish four Community Forest Management (CFM) agreements between communities and the National Forestry Authority (NFA).

In Kitgum District, Ecotrust is working closely with farmers under the FVR Program, which focuses on environmental conservation and livelihood improvement. The program operates in Namokora North, Omiya Anyima West, and Labongo Akwang Sub-counties.

During a recent Ecotrust radio program, Mr. Lapat Jimmy Lokwiya, a member of the Mar Lonyo group and beneficiary of the FVR initiative, said Ecotrust Uganda is not only promoting environmental protection but also giving people hope by encouraging green business and tree planting as a source of livelihood. He urged the public to plant trees both to protect the environment and to secure a sustainable “retirement package” for themselves and their children.

Ms. Aciro Stella, also a member of the Mar Lonyo group, thanked Ecotrust Uganda for restoring farmers’ hope through the provision of tree seedlings. She expressed confidence that in the next 10 years, farmers will enjoy improved harvests, better business opportunities, and stronger market linkages. She further appealed to Ecotrust to continue mapping and registering farmers interested in tree planting, supply seedlings on time, and provide mature seedlings. She also cautioned the community against allowing stray animals to destroy planted trees.

Mr. Okello James John, the Ecotrust Uganda Program Manager, emphasized that tree growing is a form of green business and contributes to global benefits through carbon offsetting under the Plan Vivo system. Through this initiative, Ecotrust has enabled over 30,000 smallholder farmers to establish and monitor forestry activities and woodlots covering more than 43,000 hectares in compliance with the voluntary carbon market. He also encouraged farmers to diversify by growing other crops to fight poverty and called on parents to educate their children and discourage substance abuse.

Mr. Anywar Martin, the Kitgum District Forest Officer, noted that the district aims to ensure every school plants trees to help restore regular rainfall. He added that individuals who prepare land for tree planting should register with the Forest Department to receive seedlings and monitoring support.