Govt partners with ATC to restore Kyenjojo's forests

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In a groundbreaking move to combat deforestation and promote environmental sustainability, ATC Uganda, a telecom infrastructure provider, has partnered with the government (through the National Forestry Authority) to restore tree cover in the western district of Kyenjojo.

The initiative has seen 33,330 trees planted across 30 hectares of Oruha Forest in Kyenjojo, reinforcing the joint commitment to safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage.

Stuart Maniraguha, the acting executive director of NFA, lauded their partnership with ATC.

“I want to thank ATC Uganda for partnering with NFA to conserve Uganda’s forest cover. Through partnerships like this, we are restoring degraded forests, regulating climate, maintaining biodiversity, improving community livelihoods and safeguarding ecosystems for future generations," he said.

Uganda faces pressing deforestation challenges, losing over 80,000 hectares of forest annually, according to official data. Forest cover has declined from 24% in 1990 to now 12.7% — blamed on land conversion, population pressure, and unsustainable practices.

Stuart Maniraguha, the Acting Executive Director of NFA, planting a tree.

The consequences in the form of soil erosion, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and climate extremes underline the urgency of reforestation efforts.

'Shared responsibility'

Dorothy Ssemanda, the chief executive director of ATC Uganda, said tree planting is not a one-off gesture for them but a continuous journey.

"Every quarter, our staff join hands to put trees in the ground, and we track their growth to ensure forests take root again,” she said. "With this latest effort in Kyenjojo, we have planted 73,330 trees across the country, but this is only the beginning. Our mission is to go further."

The resident district commissioner (RDC) of Kyenjojo, Julian Ayesiga, commended the latest partnership aimed at restoring forest cover in the region.

“What ATC Uganda has done is commendable. Environmental protection is a shared responsibility, and when companies like ATC step in to support tree-planting and forest restoration, it sends a powerful message of commitment to sustainable development,” she said.

Grace Atuhaire, the vice-chairperson of Kyenjojo district local government, described the partnership between NFA and ATC as a strong supplement to the government's environmental conservation efforts.

She said collaboration between public institutions and private companies is essential in reversing forest degradation and building climate resilience in Uganda.

“This partnership is not just about planting trees. It is about restoring our environment, empowering communities, and supporting the government’s broader goals. The efforts of NFA and ATC Uganda are a direct boost to our work at the local level."