In today’s era where indiscriminate tree-cutting for charcoal, timber and agricultural expansion has been normalised, the community of Ongo in Bunyoro sub-region stands out for making tremendous strides in reforesting its once-depleted forest.
Ongo communal forest is now a model of ecological excellence and experiencing a remarkable revival, writes GEOFREY SERUGO. For years, deforestation triggered the fragmentation of the once-interconnected ecosystems.
However, hope has been rekindled through a large-scale reforestation initiative targeting the restoration of 375 hectares of degraded forest cover across six Communal Land Associations (CLAs). So far, over 140,000 indigenous trees have been planted, with the goal of reconnecting the Bugoma and Budongo forests.
The initiative is part of the broader TotalEnergies EP Uganda’s biodiversity program, which aligns with the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standard 6, a legal framework in Uganda requiring biodiversity offsets to mitigate the residual impacts of oil and gas projects.
Since September 2022, local communities have planted over 140,000 indigenous tree species with support from ECOTRUST and TotalEnergies EP Uganda. A preliminary survival assessment confirmed that 85% of these trees have survived. The Observer was part of the media team that visited the forest last week.
At the center of this conservation effort is Ongo forest, spanning 171.5 hectares under the stewardship of Ongo CLA, with an additional 14.3 hectares managed by Rwentumba CLA. Covering the villages of Ongo, Oni-Eni, Ogadra, and Kibali, the regenerated forest has become a model for sustainable forest management generating income for locals through eco-tourism, beekeeping, and responsible harvesting of forest resources.
The CLA model plays a pivotal role not only in reforestation but also in mobilizing communities, monitoring biodiversity, promoting sustainable land use, and fostering a renewed culture of conservation across the region.
In addition to the CLAs, individual farmers are also contributing to restoration efforts by planting trees on private land. These efforts have expanded the restoration corridor between Budongo and Kasongwe Forest Reserve, Budongo and Mukihane, and Mukihane to Kasongoire, creating vital links between Bugoma and Budongo forests.
Since 2022, the Ongo community alone has planted more than 29,500 indigenous tree, including Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), Albizia spp, Terminalia spp, Grevillea spp, Musizi (Maesopsis eminii), Mitragna and Cordia milleni, whose fruits are a favourite food of chimpanzees.
A FOREST REBORN
Hellen Olelu, Chairperson of Ongo CLA, attributes the forest’s transformation to community-led conservation.
“We plant trees to prevent wildfires and conserve the soil, with the overall goal of promoting eco-tourism,” she explained.
“Our forest was once depleted due to misuse. But with concerted efforts, it has regenerated. We now collect firewood, engage in apiculture, and want to show our children the benefits of environmental conservation.”
Following regeneration, the community began monitoring biodiversity. Olelu confirmed the return of species once thought lost, including calabash monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons and a wide variety of birds. She noted that tourists and researchers’ visits have significantly increased, generating income for the community.
Tourists are charged Shs 300,000, while students pay Shs 150,000. These fees are pooled into a community fund from which members can borrow at low interest to support personal or business needs.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Illegal encroachment by some community members continues to threaten the sustainability of restoration efforts.
PROTECTING WILDLIFE AND LIVELIHOODS
The reforestation program emphasizes the restoration of forest corridors and the protection of existing forest blocks, particularly for chimpanzee conservation. Indigenous tree species are prioritized because they provide both food and shelter for wildlife and are vital to maintaining the ecological balance.
“We live alongside the animals. We have planted Cordia milleni, a key food source for chimpanzees and fruit trees like avocado to deter wildlife from invading our plantations,” said Olelu.
“We don’t want to disrupt the ecosystem by introducing invasive species. Indigenous trees are not only critical for biodiversity, but also for our own survival.”
“We want to ensure that after 25 years or so, the forest will be fully restored. Indigenous trees take time to grow. You won’t see results in one or two years. Real restoration takes decades,” David Ochanda from TotalEnergies EP Uganda said.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT THROUGH CONSERVATION
The integration of economic incentives into conservation efforts is proving to be a powerful model for forest restoration and poverty alleviation especially in oil-affected landscapes where natural ecosystems are under increasing pressure.
“Communities want to survive; they want to see the monetary benefits. That’s why we engage them in green enterprises like nursery beds, beekeeping, and fish farming so they can earn while helping conserve the forest,” said Rachel Asaba, an ECOTRUST official.
“If we can support communities to grow these into larger-scale businesses such as coffee factories, honey processing, and other value-added enterprises then conservation becomes a livelihood. That’s what brings sustainability.” she said.
Following tree planting, community-based biodiversity monitoring has been introduced. Residents now observe and document the return of birds, animals, and plants, which helps gauge the success of the reforestation initiative.
“It’s really interesting that when communities take ownership of the work, it becomes easier for implementing partners and even donors. The commitment is genuine and long-lasting,” she said.
Community members have also been educated on the environmental risks of non-native species.
“We’ve discouraged the planting of eucalyptus near water bodies. People who’ve done so can already see the negative impact,” said a local conservation officer. Several former deforesters have now joined restoration activities. In areas where tree survival rates were low, gap-filling is ongoing to ensure full canopy recovery.
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