Kampala, Uganda – The European Union (EU) has committed 48 million Euros to enhance forestry management and conservation in Uganda.
The announcement was made by EU Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek, during a partnership meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala.
The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, was attended by several ministers, including the Attorney General, Minister for Trade and Cooperatives, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, and State Minister for Energy.
Ambassador Sadek expressed appreciation for the long-standing partnership between Uganda and the EU in the forestry sector, highlighting the importance of forest preservation in global climate change mitigation.
The EU’s commitment includes 40 million Euros, with an additional 8 million Euros contributed by Denmark.
Prime Minister Nabbanja emphasized the importance of exporting value-added forest products rather than raw timber, a vision articulated by President Museveni.
She noted that this approach is crucial for the sustainability of Uganda’s forests and driving economic transformation.
The Uganda-EU Forest Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in November 2022, and further reinforced through a Roadmap signed in June 2023.
The partnership aims to improve governance and promote sustainable use and management of forest resources.
The 40 million Euro EU grant will support projects such as forest restoration, anti-trafficking of forest products, and development of timber and non-timber value chains.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the partnership will unlock the full potential of Uganda’s forest resources.