Wakiso District Distributes 50,000 Tree Seedlings to 52 Farmers to Boost Environmental Conservation.

The Forestry Department, has distributed 50,000 tree plantlets to 52 farmers as part of its ongoing efforts to increase tree cover, promote environmental conservation and support household income generation.

The initiative is implemented during the rainy seasons to encourage farmers and community groups to establish and maintain trees while responding to the growing pressure on the environment arising from rapid urbanisation and increased demand for timber and other forest products.

The seedlings distributed include Mugavu, Kilundu, improved Muvule for furniture production and exotic Eucalyptus varieties, among others. The selection is intended to support both environmental restoration and commercial tree growing.

Speaking during the handover at the district tree nursery, the District Chairperson Eng. Ian Kyeyune noted that the rapid pace of construction in Wakiso and surrounding areas continues to drive demand for timber and furniture, creating a ready market for sustainably produced tree products.

He encouraged households, farmer groups and institutions to plant more trees to replace those cut down for construction, furniture and other purposes.

“There is no possibility of avoiding the demand for timber and furniture, given the level of construction taking place in Wakiso and surrounding areas. The solution is to plant more trees at household level and through groups and institutions,” Kyeyune said.

He also called on more farmers, particularly those on Bussi Islands, to participate in the programme and become ambassadors for environmental restoration in areas experiencing high levels of degradation.

Kyeyune further urged beneficiaries to treat the donated plantlets as an investment and avoid selling them, noting that their survival and growth are essential to achieving the programme’s environmental and economic objectives.

The District Forestry Officer Harriet Nankya said tree planting is increasingly important as Wakiso experiences rapid urban growth and increasing pressure on natural resources.

She noted that expanding tree cover can contribute to environmental protection and help communities build resilience against the effects of climate change.

Nankya advised beneficiaries to work closely with forestry extension staff in their respective areas and seek technical guidance whenever they encounter challenges in planting, managing and maintaining the trees.

The District continues to encourage communities, farmers, institutions and other stakeholders to participate in tree planting as part of efforts to build a greener, more resilient and economically productive Wakiso.