Uganda’s fight against deforestation and climate change has received a major boost as TotalEnergies EP Uganda partners with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to restore degraded forest land. The two organizations recently launched a tree-planting initiative in the Jubiya Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Masaka City, marking the beginning of a long-term effort to rehabilitate 38 hectares of damaged forest cover.

The project kicked off with the planting of 450 indigenous tree seedlings, representing the first phase of a collaboration that aims to bring life back to Uganda’s forests. This initiative is not just about planting trees but about restoring entire ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and fighting the growing threat of climate change.

The National Forestry Authority, responsible for managing Uganda’s forest reserves, sees this partnership as a model for how businesses and government can work together to protect the environment. Ms. Nekesa Esther, a Range Manager at NFA, expressed her appreciation for TotalEnergies’ support, saying the project aligns perfectly with the agency’s goals.

“This partnership is a great example of how different stakeholders can come together to restore Uganda’s natural resources,” she said. “It supports our strategic objectives and shows our shared commitment to sustainable forest management.”

TotalEnergies, a global energy company with a strong focus on sustainability, has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The company sees reforestation as a key part of this mission. A representative from TotalEnergies emphasized that protecting the environment is central to their operations.

“Sustainability is at the heart of what we do,” the representative said. “Projects like this help us meet our climate goals while also benefiting local communities and ecosystems in the long run.”

Uganda has faced significant deforestation over the years due to logging, agriculture, and urban expansion. Forests play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating rainfall, and providing habitats for wildlife. When forests disappear, the effects are felt across the country—drier weather, lower crop yields, and loss of biodiversity.

The Jubiya Central Forest Reserve, like many others in Uganda, has suffered from illegal logging and land degradation. Restoring it will not only help combat climate change but also improve the livelihoods of nearby communities that depend on forests for resources like firewood, medicinal plants, and clean water.

Juliet Mubi, NFA’s Public Relations Officer, pointed out that private sector involvement is essential for large-scale environmental conservation.

“This partnership shows how businesses can align their sustainability efforts with national and global climate targets,” she said. “When companies like TotalEnergies step up, it makes a real difference in achieving our environmental goals.”

The 450 seedlings planted in the first phase are just the beginning. Over time, the project will expand to cover all 38 hectares of degraded land in the reserve. The choice of indigenous tree species is also significant—these trees are better adapted to local conditions and support native wildlife, ensuring a healthier and more resilient forest.

Reforestation efforts like this one are critical for Uganda, which has set ambitious targets to increase forest cover from the current 12% to 24% by 2040. Achieving this will require sustained collaboration between government, private companies, and local communities.

As the trees grow, NFA and TotalEnergies will monitor their progress, ensuring they thrive and contribute to a restored ecosystem. The success of this project could inspire similar partnerships across the country, helping Uganda move closer to its environmental goals.

For now, the message is clear: restoring forests is not just an environmental issue but a shared responsibility. With initiatives like this, Uganda is taking meaningful steps toward a greener, more sustainable future—one tree at a time.