Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL) has committed Shs372 million to restore Namananga Central Forest Reserve through a partnership with the National Forest Authority (NFA) and Rotary.
The initiative will see 80,000 indigenous tree seedlings planted to rehabilitate degraded sections of the 459-hectare reserve, which forms part of the Mabira ecosystem. Namananga serves as a critical catchment for the Nalwe and Wugula streams and functions as an ecological corridor linking Mabira Forest—Uganda’s largest natural forest cover—to the Musamya Swamp.
Decades of deforestation caused by timber harvesting, firewood collection, charcoal production, and pineapple farming have severely depleted the reserve.
Speaking during the signing of the partnership at UBL headquarters, Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to environmental conservation.
“At Uganda Breweries, we are committed to conserving the environment and supporting the country’s afforestation agenda because forests play a vital role in preserving water sources that sustain people, ecosystems, and essential crops like barley, maize, and sorghum that we use in production,” Kilonzo said.
He highlighted UBL’s broader conservation investments, including the Shs1 billion Water Collective Action Programme, previous forest restoration projects, and participation in the national “Running Out of Trees (ROOTs)” campaign, which targets 40 million trees.
“As the first major manufacturer to commit significant funds to catchment protection in Uganda, we are setting an example while mobilizing industry peers to amplify environmental impact,” Kilonzo added.
Martin Mwodi Kegere, NFA’s Director of Plantations Development, welcomed the partnership, describing corporate involvement as key to achieving national restoration targets.
“This initiative aligns with our Strategic Plan 2020–2025, which seeks to increase forest cover from 15% in 2010 to 24% by 2040, in line with Uganda Vision 2040. Partnerships with corporates like UBL are vital if we are to achieve these restoration goals,” he said.
Uganda’s forest cover, according to Global Forest Watch, stood at 13.3% in 2024, up from 9.5% in 2015, reflecting steady progress in national restoration efforts.
Christine Kyeyune Kawooya, District Governor of Rotary District 9214, stressed the need for collective responsibility.
“Through Rotary Mission Green, we are planting trees and mobilizing Ugandans to conserve the environment. Partnerships like this ensure greater impact, and we call upon more organizations and individuals to join the cause,” she said.
The restoration of Namananga Central Forest Reserve will begin immediately, with UBL providing full financial support while NFA and Rotary deliver technical expertise and community engagement.
