Today, March 21st, we join the world in celebrating the International Day of Forests under the theme “Forests and Food.” This year’s theme is a timely reminder of the vital role forests play in ensuring food security, promoting biodiversity, and sustaining livelihoods for millions of people across the globe, including communities here in Uganda.
In Uganda, forests are the backbone of environmental resilience and community survival. Forests are more than just trees – they are sources of food, medicine, clean air, and livelihoods. From wild fruits, honey, and mushrooms to the nutrient-rich soils that sustain agricultural production, forests provide a safety net for rural households. Yet, despite their importance, Uganda’s forests are under severe threat. Deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion, charcoal production, and illegal logging, continues to deplete our natural resources, threatening livelihoods and accelerating climate change.
Through community-driven restoration efforts, the Restore Africa program is working closely with local communities (with particular focus on smallholder farmers, women, and youth) to rehabilitate degraded landscapes through planting indigenous trees, and adopting sustainable land management practices. These efforts not only restore degraded landscapes but also enhance food production, protect biodiversity, and improve household resilience to climate change.
On this International Day of Forests, let us reflect on the actions we can take – as individuals, organizations, and policymakers – to protect forests and restore degraded landscapes. By doing so, we are investing in a future where forests continue to provide food, livelihoods, and ecosystem services for generations to come. Together, we can create a Community where Nature and People Flourish!
By Davis Orishaba, Program Coordinator, JESE – Restore Africa
On 12th March 2025, Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE) with funding Join For Water, conducted a radio talk show at Voice of Kamwenge a local radio station in Kamwenge to promote and create awareness about the Water and Environment Week.
The one-hour talk show brought together guest speakers from the Ministry of Water and Environment, Fort Portal Regional Office, District Natural Resources Officers from Ibanda and Kitagwenda, and the JESE team under the Protection and Equitable Use of Fresh Water Resources-PURE program.
The discussions focused on popularizing the Water and Environment Week activities, key interventions conducted to protect and conserve the environment, with a focus on the Mpanga catchment, and challenges faced.
Additionally, WASH messages were disseminated following the Ebola outbreak in the region. Listeners were encouraged to maintain maximum hygiene standards to minimize infections.
Similarly, the team mobilized the populace for the Save River Mpanga marathon scheduled for the Save River Mpanga Marathon on 16th March 2025 as the National event.
“Use the Water and Environment Week to do something positive. Clean your surroundings, protect your environment, and plant a tree for the future generation.” Said one of the guests.
“Everyone has a role to play in the protection and conservation of our environment. Don’t let the Water and Environment Week bypass you.” She added.
During the talk show, callers appreciated the guests for making time to educate the masses on environmental protection and conservation of water resources.
Charcoal burning is still ongoing. Continue educating the masses to plant and protect the trees” said a male caller from Kanara Sub County, Kitagwenda District.
The Ministry of Water and Environment, in collaboration with Tooro Botanical Gardens and Common Grounds organized a dialogue and exhibition aligned to this year’s theme, focusing on the regional sub-theme ‘Water and Environment for Climate Action.
Participants included; Region based Civil Society Organizations/NGOs, District Officials, Political leaders, Community Association representatives, Institutions, Media, MWE regional Center Staff, among others.
“Once the environmental resources are degraded, we will not get what we want. Water is a cross-cutting resource and we must protect it. The quantity and quality of water must be achieved.” Remarked Mr. Orejabo Albert, Assistant Commissioner, Water Management.
The panelists deliberated on reflections from COP 29 on climate change, strengthening the conservation of threatened tree species for ecosystem resilience and improved livelihoods, harnessing biodiversity-based ecological restoration for water management, research, and innovation.
“When we have a healthy ecosystem, we will have a healthy and clean water. Let’s protect the ecosystem, plant indigenous trees to have clean and quality water.” Encouraged. Dr Guma Brain, Team Leader, AWMZ.
The Panelists emphasized the need to: Bridge the gap between research and policy; Involve community members to enhance sustainability of the desired behavior and Adapt to the global biodiversity standard in the conservation measures.
Additionally, the Ministry’s deconcentrated structures (RWSRC-5, Midwestern Umbrella, and Albert WMZ) and region-based water and environment practitioners showcased adopted approaches to addressing climate change and promoting livelihood initiatives in the region. While JESE exhibited the Mpanga gorge prototype, cycads under the Protection and Equitable Use of Fresh Water Resources (PURE) Program and showcased the work done by one our beneficiary under the Skill up! Program that empowers and skills the youth. Provides them with startup capital to start their own enterprises as a way of reducing pressure on the eco system.
The exhibition stalls were visited by about 500 participants, including; Pupils, students, Development Partners, the Ministry of Water and Environment among others.
On 11th March 2025, JESE with funding from SIMAVI organized activities to commemorate the Water and Environment Week in Kyamukube Town Council, Bunyangabu district. The activities were held in collaboration with the Bunyangabu district leadership and the Ministry of Water and Environment Fort Portal Regional Office. The activities included; clean -up exercise, sports for WASH, and a radio talk show at Ngabu Fm a local radio station.
The focus was on environmental sanitation and WASH awareness. The day began with a community clean-up exercise, officially launched by the Mayor of Kyamukube Town Council Mr. Kule Charles, who emphasized the importance of regular sanitation efforts. He noted that a general clean-up is conducted every first Thursday of the month and that a designated landfill site has already been purchased as part of a broader waste management plan. By next year, Kyamukube will have a more organized sanitation system to improve public health and sanitation.
“It’s our role as leaders and community members to protect the environment. We need to continue with the practice. When we keep the environment clean, we chase away disease that increase our expenditure. I wish next year; our Town Council is considered again among the places to be cleaned.” Said Mr. Kule Charles, The Mayor, Kyamukube Town Council.
He pledged that they will put in a lot of effort to ensure that they continue practicing the desired behavior. We will also continue educating the community members to carry on so that the next time you return, you find our environment clean. He added.
To further engage the youth in WASH awareness, a football match between Rubona Primary School and Kibate Primary School was held, demonstrating how sports can be used as an interactive tool for hygiene education and Kibante primary school emerged as the winners.
During the breaks, key messages on WASH were disseminated by the Ministry team to over 500 participants. The Ministry of Water and Environment commended these efforts, emphasizing the importance of waste management, improved sanitation facilities, and behavioral change in communities and schools to safeguard water resources.
Mr. Mukugize Stephen, the Inspector of Schools highlighted improvements in school sanitation, where JESE has constructed pit latrines and installed handwashing facilities to enhance hygiene and safety for students. He also stressed the need to revive environmental clubs in schools to promote sustainable sanitation and hygiene practices.
“Before, our students would go to the bush and open defection was almost considered normal. Ever since JESE started constructing pit latrines in our schools, the hygiene has improved, enrollment has increased, and the spread of diseases has reduced due to access to running water,” He shared. More girls are now attending school compared to boys and their performance has also improved. He continued.
The district has made a plan and budget that include; renovation grants, School facility grant to top up donor efforts, Continuous community engagement to enhance ownership and reduce on vandalism of the infrastructures put in place. We have Water and sanitation committees in place, and the different management bodies. With these, we hope to sustain the efforts started by the different development partners. We request that JESE, the government, and other development partners support all the schools with rain harvesting water tanks.
He asked that Water and Environment Week be celebrated continuously, as it provides an avenue for creating awareness and community sensitization. He called upon the community members to always be positive whenever they are called upon to co-fund any community projects. Asked the leaders to preserve water resources. “Don’t plant trees in the water sources. We need continuous water flow. He spoke.
In attendance were Kyamukube Town Council and area leaders, Inspector of schools, MWE staff, JESE, UPDF soldiers from Kateebwa barracks, Teachers, Pupils from Rubona and Kibate Primary Schools, and community members respectively.
As part of our effort to protect the environment, Joint Effort to Save the Environment joined other actors in the cleaning of Fort Portal Tourism City. An activity initiated by the Tooro Kingdom under the theme “BARAGIRA KIKI CAMPAIGN,” actors leveraged this and marked the beginning of the Water and Environment Week.
The Ministry of Water and Environment Albertine regional office, Tooro Kingdom, together with AFRIYEA, on 1st of March 2025 participated in the monthly Fort Portal City clean-up exercise.
As part of its Albertine Regional Water and Environment Week pre-events, the activity intended to spread awareness on proper waste management for sustainable water resources and environmental management, with the main goal of keeping River Mpanga clean and safe for socio-economic development of the Mpanga catchment.
The Prime Minister of the Tooro, Rt. Hon. Calvin Rwomire Armstrong, who represented the Omukama of the Tooro Kingdom as the Chief Guest thanked the organising partners for the effort in setting up the event and also urged them to take it a step further and also engage in mindset change activities to sensitize the local community on taking care of their environment and river to enable them curb the adverse effects of global warming.
The event was also attended by representatives of the de-concentrated Ministry of Water and Environment departments, Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the Uganda Police Force, office of the Resident City Commissioner, and partners such as IRC, Jese, Join For Water, NRDI, primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, members of the media and members of the local community.
In addition to the cleaning campaign, the ARWEWK launched the demarcation of Nyakimya wetland along River Mpanga in Fort Portal City, Kabarole District. With support from Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, through Join For Water with NRDI, the implementing Agency, will demarcate six wetland systems in Fort Portal Tourism City.
The event was marked by the ceremonial installation of the first pillar within Fort Portal City, which marked the beginning of demarcation of 10km along the same wetland.
During this launch, the Chief Guest, Calvin
Rwomire Armstrong, the Prime Minister of Tooro Kingdom, pledged to support the ministry’s projects and urged the locals to take up the initiative to protect and restore the wetlands in order to control and reduce the effects of global warming which is increasing at an accelerated rate.
The event was also attended by representatives of the de-concentrated Ministry of Water and Environment departments, Tooro Kingdom, Uganda’s key defense and security agencies, office of the Resident City Commissioner, assorted key partners, education institutions, the media fraternity and members of the local community
Through Restore Africa, JESE aims to improve livelihoods, food security and resilience to climate change
in Africa through the restoration of ecosystem services and the improved management of agricultural and forest areas. In preparation for the March-May (MAM) rainy season, JESE targets to reach a total of 5,491 farming households across 38 sub-counties in the districts of Ibanda,
Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge, Bunyangabu, and Buhweju in mid-western Uganda. The initiative aims to plant 693,252 trees, through a wide range of planting systems including: agroforestry, woodlots, silverpastral, boundary and strip planting. Key activities include community & stakeholder engagement meetings, Community Road visioning, agroforestry and tree management trainings, and distribution of tree seedlings
Mr. Benono Ategeka is a 52-year-old male. Originally born in Kisoro. Benon lives in Nyamwendara village, Kyakatooyo Parish, Katooke Sub County in Kyenjojo district. Benono is married and has 11 children. One out of the 11 children live with them while the rest are in boarding school.
I am a farmer as well as a business man. I have stayed in this village for the last 11 years. I met Joint Effort to Save the Children-JESE and Care in 2029. I told them that I am a farmer and I was asked if I was in a group. Our group was introduced to JESE and Care team and the rest is history.
We were taught about farm planning, encouraged to plan together with my wife and the rest of the family members among other things using the FFBS Model. “I want to thank JESE for taking us and teaching us. Because of JESE and Care, I now own a milling machine at the trading center and 14 ha of land in which I have coffee garden, matooke and my wife understands money.” Said Benon
JESE found when my wife and I would never agree on anything. Whenever I would sell the produce from our garden, my wife would not believe when I told her that the money was finished. There was a lot of misunderstandings between us. When JESE came, I picked interest and attended the trainings. During the trainings, we were taught numerous things; Home farm planning, child care among others. We started doing everything together unlike before when we would have separate gardens.
We have continued to plan and do everything together. I support my wife with all house chores and my neighbors ask whether my wife is fine. Each time they met me at the bore hole or taking our goats to graze. We planned for our children. In 2022, we agreed to take our children to better schools because our house income improved. 2 of my children are at St. Charles Lwanga, while others are in great schools too. I pay school fees of 500 plus for each child every term.
“Because of JESE and Care, we became a role model home in our community and started sharing our experiences with other community members. Other men would let their wives do all the work at home from morning to 6pm and still expected their wives to care for them (Men) in the night. Benon shared.
I shared with them my experience and also told them the causes of misunderstandings between couples. I encouraged them to sit down with their family members and plan together as a family for the betterment of their families.
“I became a role model man and oriented other men. I became known in my community and got elected as the Chairman, Development Affairs. At our church, I am on the procurement committee with Compassion Uganda. At school, I am the Chairman-PTA because I am known as a responsible father.” Benon shared.
I became a Community Based Trainer under JESE and Care. Now, we discuss on what investments can bring income and care for our children’s basic needs. Working together with my wife has improved my family. I am now called to the CDO’s Office to support with community Development activities.
I want to thank God for bringing JESE to our community. I want to thank JESE and Care for the good work done in our community and ask them to continue empowering us. Care taught us to plan and do things as planned. Some people don’t understand the need to educated the girl child. I want to encourage everyone to pick interest in educating girls.
Continue to plan as a family because I am a testimony of the benefits. We now have our plots of land at the Trading center. I encourage other men to empower their spouses to be financially capable. You always have peace and harmony once you support your wife. She will continue supporting, trusting and believing in you and your abilities. Children will respect you and hold you in high regard unlike when everyone does separate plans.
“JESE put me on the map. Other NGOs got to know me through JESE work and I am delighted that JESE believed in me. My children know me as their father because I provide.” Benono adds.
Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE)received funding from Join For Water and Serengeti Energy to construct a water extension project in Ntara Sub County, Kitagwenda District.
The program, which was implemented for ten months, came as a relief to the community of Ntara Sub County.
The Ntara water extension project was constructed by Bakens Investment. It includes 12 water stands from Rwetuha to Nyakacwamba across eight villages: Kalere, Mpanga, Rwengwe, Kapapali, Karubuguma 1, Karubuguma 2, Nyakacwamba 1, and Nyakacwamba 2.
The handover event that was attended by the community members, District officials, sub-county team Local council chairpersons of the benefiting communities, JESE, Join For Water, and Serengeti Energy was full of appreciation from the different stakeholders.
“We have spent many years waiting for water and are very grateful for the support. I want to thank Join For Water, JESE, and Serengeti for making this happen.” Said Mr. Twesigye Ben, the Chairperson of Local Council 1, Kalere Village.
The community, sub-county, and District leaders committed to continue supporting the water project. They pledged to support the maintenance and repairs of the facilities. They, however, cautioned the community members against misuse of the water resource. Now that we have clean water, diseases like; Typhoid, and cholera will be reduced in other communities.
Mr. Mushermeze Ismail the District LCV Chairman shared that he is in contact with the district engineer and the RDC’s office to ensure the water source in Rwetuha is protected and secured.
Message from the Funders and implementing partner.
JESE, Join For Water, and Serengeti Energy thanked the community members across the eight villages for allowing water pipes to be passed in their land saying the project would not be successful without the donation made by the community members and Kitagwenda District leaders for the continued support that enabled the completion of the project.
Serengeti Energy, represented by Ms. Karen remarked that they participated in the event to show their commitment to serving the community. “We are aware that having water near saves our women and girls time walking long distances.” Said Karen Low, the Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer, at Serengeti Energy.
Kipepa Women of Hope is an association that brings women together to improve their livelihood. Formed on August 16, 2023, the group started with 80 members. The group now has 72 members, but only 50 are active.
The group started as a Village Savings and Loans Association in Kipepa Village, Kyamutusa Parish, Nyantungo Sub County, Kyenjojo district, and has now become a learning center for community members. Joint Effort to Save the Environment (JESE) selected the group, gave them several trainings in income-generating activities, and facilitated their start.
Kipepa Women of Hope’s activities range from; Kitchen gardening, maize growing, coffee growing, and production of organic manure among others.
“My house was made of mad and watto before the training. When I returned home with the knowledge following the training I underwent with JESE, I informed my husband about the facilitation given to me. We planned together to use the money to improve our home.
Having attended the training as a Community-Based Trainer, Lucy did not let the skills acquired stay with her. She organized similar trainings for her group members.
“Our men and women understood the importance of working together. We are growing maize as a group and will sell as a group.” Said Lucy, the Community Based Trainer. Kipepa Women of Hope.
We were also taught the best practices of drying coffee, and cassava using polythen. We now have clean food and seeds.
We were introduced to the district stakeholders like; the District Agricultural Officer, District Community Development Officer, and the District Commercial Officer among others. This has improved our operations. When are faced with any challenges in our garden, we call the leaders who are often swift to support us. We were once challenged with pests in our maize garden, and the Agriculture Officer advised us on the pesticide to buy and spray. We did this, now the maize looks healthy.
JESE connected us to suppliers with quality seeds and fair prices. We are not taken advantage of like before. We want to thank JESE, CARE, and the district team for the continued support given to our group.
” We are privileged to be among the group who will receive the 50 million shillings start capital loan from the Kyenjojo District Local government to invest in the business.” Shared Lucy.
We want to thank JESE for coming to the ground to ensure that we practice what they taught us. Thank you for not giving up on us. Care for trusting JESE with the funds to support us. The district for allowing JESE and Care to come and support us and for giving us the start capital loan, and the community we encourage you to continue embracing the program.
It was a day of joy and excitement at St. Joseph’s Kyamatanga Primary School when a generous donation of AFRIPADs arrived, bringing much-needed relief to the girls at the school. The donation, made by AFRIPADS, with support from SIMAVI and JESE focused on supporting menstrual health and hygiene, came as part of an initiative to empower girls and ensure their uninterrupted participation in education.
For years, many girls at the rural Kyamatanga primary school faced challenges that affected their ability to attend classes regularly, especially during their menstrual cycles. Lack of access to affordable and reusable sanitary products often forced them to miss school, falling behind in their studies and struggling with confidence
St. Joseph’s Kyamatanga Primary School is located in the Kyamatanga cell. Rwesenene ward, Buheesi Town Council Bunyangabu District. The school has a total population of about 1340 pupils, 612 of whom are girls and 890 of whom are boys.
AFRIPAD distributed donations to over 189 girls. On 17th October 2024, JESE and a team from AFRI Pad visited the school. During the visit, girls from primary four to seven were selected to attend a training and demonstration on how to use reusable sanitary pads. Hygiene was emphasized, and girls were encouraged to wash the reusable pads before starting to use them. They were also oriented on the steps to undertake when washing the used pads.
“When washing the used pads, ensure that there is no soap or blood left then dry it under the sun.” Said Patricia Humura from AFRIPADs.
The demonstration sessions were very participatory, and several pupils took part in the training. About 10 (02 males & 08 females) teachers participated in the training.
The Senior Women Teacher shared that attendance has not been the same. Parents are faced with high expenditures, which has led to pupil absenteeism. With the donations, which included underwear, a pack containing 5 reusable pads, and a booklet given to the pupils, the Senior Women Teacher believes that attendance will improve.
“For our pupils who have been absent due to lack of pads during menstrual periods, we are very happy for the support.” Said Stella Kajoina, a Senior Woman Teacher, at St. Joseph’s Kyamatanga Primary school.
Stella believes that hygiene will improve among their pupils with the additional donations received. “Some of our pupils have been using one pad for a whole day. With the additional support, their hygiene will improve.” Adds Stella.
Patricia from AFRI pad demonstrates how to use a reusable pad at St. Joseph’s Kyamatanga P/S.
