Uganda

Our work in Uganda is dedicated to protecting and restoring biodiversity in some of Uganda’s most important ecosystems, focusing on highland water towers and their surrounding areas. Through targeted tree-planting initiative, we stabilise the land, reduce the risk of landslides and help regulate water flow – crucial for communities downstream.

Our holistic approach to tree planting targets the intersection of critical biodiversity and socioeconomic impacts for fast and lasting results. We are committed to “leaving no one behind,” prioritising the most marginalised, building community resilience, and fostering future environmental stewards.

We focus our efforts on places we can make the fastest, most lasting difference.

  • Bwindi Impenetrable Forest – A UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich biodiversity.

  • Ruwenzori Mountains – Another UNESCO World Heritage known for its unique ecosystems, glaciers and endemic species.

  • Mt. Elgon – Known for its vast caldera and diverse flora and fauna.

By tackling human needs and environmental protection together, we’re helping to build a more sustainable future for both people and nature.

Ruwenzori Mountains

The Ruwenzori Mountains, often called the Mountains of the Moon, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for their breath-taking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and unique wildlife.

These mountains sustain millions of people. The fertile slopes and valleys have supported generations of farmers growing bananas, coffee, beans, and maize. They also provide a crucial water source for irrigation, while their rich volcanic soil underpins local agriculture and livelihoods.

However, climate change, deforestation, encroachment, unsustainable farming, and mining are a constant threat to the Ruwenzoris future.

In partnership with local organisations, we are restoring vulnerable areas like the River Nyamwamba and River Lhubiriha by planting trees and bamboo. Alongside these, we run initiatives to improve livelihoods, such as briquetting from coffee husks, providing ecostoves, training in kitchen gardening, beekeeping and cultivating high-value coffee seedlings.

Equity through coffee

“In the past, I used to have misunderstandings with my husband due to coffee issues,” says Yozofina. “We could plant and manage coffee together but my husband would sell the coffee alone.”

In Uganda, women often do the labour of farming and harvesting coffee, but when it comes to the proceeds, they get no say. But we’re working with local partners, AWEI, to help transform landscapes and lives.

“Me and my husband happened to be among the couples who were trained by Alpha Women’s Empowerment Initiative. We were taught about working together and equal sharing of the benefits.Then, after the training we came home and started implementing what we learned on working together and equal benefits sharing. We started working together in our coffee garden, harvesting, drying, and selling our coffee together. We can now plan our money together. I now feel harmony in my family.”

Yozofina’s family are developing as coffee growers, enjoying sharing the work and the proceeds. When they sell their coffee, they plan to use the money to pay their children’s school fees, giving them a brighter future.

Water scarcity

People living with disabilities face serious challenges in accessing water from rivers. And with an ever more erratic climate, well-watered trees and crops are vital. So our projects include training on water harvesting techniques.

From installing water storage tanks in households of people living with a disabilities to restoring community boreholes we’re prioritising access to water.

“Living with a disability hasn’t deterred me from providing for my family, and thanks to the Karambi Group of People with Disabilities, my life has transformed. Through training in kitchen gardening and tree planting, I’ve improved our food supply, nutrition, and economic stability.

My kitchen gardens now provide nutritious meals, reduce reliance on aid, and save money for essential needs. I feel empowered to contribute to environmental conservation and inspired by the progress in our community.

This project has given me confidence, purpose, and hope for a brighter future.”

Bwahinda Edson, Karambi

Restoring Bwindi

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest spans steep ridges and valleys, feeding five major rivers that flow into Lake Edward. Home to nearly 400 plant species, it provides critical habitat for around 450 mountain gorillas – half the world’s population.

But deforestation, agricultural encroachment and invasive species have shrunk and damaged it endangering the forest and all who call it home.

And for the indigenous Batwa community, the destruction is devastating. Kicked out of the forest and now living in the degraded surrounding land, the Batwa live in poverty – deprived of their ancestral home, crucial trees, essential herbal remedies and invaluable traditional knowledge.

We’re working with the Batwa community, to collect native and endangered seeds from the main forest to plant and grow pockets of new forest that restore the degraded surrounding land. By propagating medicinal tree species, the Batwa People not only have access to the crucial trees they depend on but are joining conservation efforts alongside the Uganda Wildlife Authority, reducing conflicts and preserving Bwindi’s rich biodiversity.

“I am able to identify these trees, talk about them, I know the nature of the medicine I can expect from these trees, so I am proud to be a beneficiary of this project connecting us back to nature.”

Daniel Tejerezimana, Bwindi

“I gained the skills and confidence to grow my own vegetables. I participated in trainings and later applied the acquired know to establish kitchen gardens by using the containers and sacks.

This project has revolutionized my living style, instilling confidence and self-sufficiency. No longer do I worry about raising my children.”

Kabugho Medres, Kikyo village

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Our approach

  • We are community-led

    Through radical listening, we engage communities to identify their needs and ideas. Together, create practical, locally-driven solutions that include everyone—especially women, young people, and vulnerable groups.

  • Multiple impact approach

    Our mission goes beyond planting trees. We’re restoring damaged landscapes while helping communities thrive with better livelihoods, stronger economies, and healthier ecosystems.

  • Protecting endangered trees

    We combine indigenous knowledge and scientific methods to protect endangered and threatened native trees. From identifying and propagating these vital species to planting them, we follow international standards like the IUCN Red List and Plant for the Planet.

  • Participatory monitoring

    By involving communities and using cutting-edge GIS technology, we collect real-time data to track progress, learn what’s working, and improve as we go. This approach ensures an impressive 85% or higher tree survival rate.

Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon National Park is a gem of biodiversity, home to over 300 bird species, including the endangered Bearded Vulture. The park’s lush landscapes support a wealth of wildlife, from duikers in the undergrowth and forest monkeys in the canopy to roaming elephants, buffaloes, and the elusive leopard.

Beyond its ecological importance, Mount Elgon sustains millions of local people who depend on its fertile volcanic soils for farming cash crops like coffee and tea, as well as growing food and rearing livestock.

However, deforestation, habitat encroachment, climate change, and unsustainable farming are risking the delicate balance of this ecosystem.

To address these challenges, ITF, in partnership with the Mount Elgon Trees Growers Enterprise (METGE) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is restoring 100 hectares of degraded land within the park. The initiative also engages local communities in sustainable practices, such as agroforestry to prevent soil erosion, beekeeping for alternative income, and the introduction of energy-efficient stoves.

This holistic approach not only restores the ecosystem but also empowers communities to protect their environment while improving their livelihoods.

Plant trees and restore forests today

Can you imagine a world without trees? Neither can we. Your support today can plant trees, bring forests back to life and help nature recover for people and planet.