Alebtong District in Uganda has launched an important tree-planting project. The goal is to bring back life to damaged forest areas and boost efforts to protect our natural world.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mathias Lutwama is leading this initiative, which officially began on Thursday, April 30, 2026. He is working closely with the Chief Administrative Officer, the LCV Chairperson, and the district’s Natural Resources Department.
The project kicked off with an impressive start, planting 20,000 pine tree seedlings. This initial effort covered 32 acres in Te-Ichonga Forest Reserve (Aloi Town Council) and 10 acres in Te-Iponga Forest Reserve (Akura Sub-county). District leaders shared that this vital work will expand to five more forest reserves, aiming to restore a total of seven reserves across all 14 administrative areas, including various sub-counties and town councils.
Mr. Lutwama explained that this tree-planting drive is crucial for protecting our environment, making our communities safer, and supporting Uganda’s larger goals to save its natural resources. He confirmed that the district council approved the purchase of all the tree seedlings, following proper guidelines.
He also voiced serious concern about how much of the district’s forests have been destroyed. This damage, he noted, comes from cutting down trees, people illegally settling on forest land, and unchecked building projects. To ensure everyone gets involved, some of the tree seedlings have been given directly to families to plant around their homes.
Mr. Lutwama happily reported that local communities have warmly welcomed this project, now understanding just how important it is to protect our environment. He emphasized that the active involvement of the public is absolutely vital for the project to succeed.