NFA and ACODE Strengthen Partnership to Safeguard Uganda’s Forest Reserves

Posted on: 2025-11-21 15:37:55

KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) and the National Forestry Authority (NFA) have officially reaffirmed their commitment to work together to protect Uganda’s forest resources. The renewed partnership will focus on promoting sustainable forest management, enhancing transparency, and strengthening community engagement in conservation efforts.

The announcement followed a high-level engagement held at the NFA headquarters in Kampala. During the meeting, technical teams from both institutions discussed strategies to protect Uganda’s Central Forest Reserves, facing increasing pressure from environmental threats and illegal human activities. This collaboration is a central part of our project dubbed “Strengthening Civic Engagement, Voice, Service Delivery, and Climate Justice” in Karamoja and West Nile regions.

Covering 20 districts across West Nile (12) and Karamoja (8), our project seeks to promote citizen participation in governance; empower vulnerable communities to monitor public spending; strengthen institutional capacity for climate justice; and ensure the voices of women and youth are included in decision-making processes.

Mr Stuart Maniraguha, the Acting Executive Director of NFA, highlighted the importance of a unified front in tackling these challenges. He welcomed ACODE’s continued support in promoting good governance and policy advocacy in the forestry sector. “Our partnership is key to empowering local communities and ensuring sustainable use of forest resources,” he said.

Dr Arthur Bainomugisha, the Executive Director of ACODE, emphasised the important role of public participation and institutional accountability. He re-echoed ACODE’s commitment to support NFA in areas such as policy research, environmental justice, and community awareness to drive meaningful change that benefits both people and the environment.

This renewed partnership is poised to accelerate progress towards Uganda’s climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation goals outlined in Uganda’s National Forest Plan 2012 and Vision 2040.