KAMPALA, Uganda — Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) is investing 372 million shillings ($99,885) to restore the Namananga Central Forest Reserve, a partnership with the National Forest Authority and Rotary.
The initiative will see 80,000 indigenous tree seedlings planted to restore degraded sections of the 459-hectare reserve, which is part of the larger Mabira ecosystem. The reserve is a critical ecological corridor between Mabira Forest, Uganda’s largest natural forest, and the Musamya Swamp.
The forest has experienced significant deforestation in recent years due to timber harvesting, firewood collection, charcoal production and agricultural expansion, particularly for pineapple farming.
Andrew Kilonzo, managing director of Uganda Breweries Limited, said the investment is part of the company’s long-term commitment to environmental conservation and water source preservation.
“At Uganda Breweries, we are committed to conserving the environment and supporting the country’s afforestation agenda because forests play a vital role in preserving water sources that sustain people, ecosystems, and essential crops like barley, maize, and sorghum that we use in production,” Kilonzo said during the partnership signing.
Kilonzo added that UBL is also working on a 1 billion shilling ($268,560) Water Collective Action Programme and other forest restoration partnerships to champion catchment protection and mobilize industry peers to amplify their collective environmental impact.
Martin Mwodi Kegere, director of plantations development at the National Forest Authority, welcomed the partnership, noting that it aligns with the agency’s strategic plan to increase Uganda’s forest cover from 15% to 24% by 2040.
“Partnerships with corporates like UBL are vital if we are to achieve these restoration goals,” Kegere said.
According to Global Forest Watch, Uganda’s forest cover has increased from 9.5% in 2015 to 13.3% in 2024.
Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, district governor of Rotary District 9214, emphasized the importance of collective responsibility.
“Through Rotary Mission Green, we are planting trees and mobilizing Ugandans to conserve the environment. Partnerships like this ensure greater impact,” Kawooya said.
The restoration of the Namananga Central Forest Reserve will begin immediately, with UBL providing the full financial commitment. The National Forest Authority and Rotary will serve as implementation partners, providing technical expertise in forest management and community engagement.
