A major environmental conservation initiative is set to transform Eastern Uganda, as the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) officially partner to plant five million indigenous trees over the next five years. Funded by the European Union, the ambitious project aims to bolster climate change action and enhance community well-being across the Teso sub-region and surrounding areas.
Speaking to reporters in Soroti, ICU Prime Minister Andrew Ocole confirmed that negotiations for the partnership are in their final stages, with implementation slated to begin in October this year. "As a cultural institution focused on the well-being of our people, climate change action is one of the areas we are determined to invest in. Tree planting is a big deal for us because there is an urgent need to step up climate change action,” Ocole stated.
He emphasized that the ICU views environmental protection as intrinsically linked to community welfare. While the exact budget remains undisclosed, Ocole confirmed that the funding has been secured from the European Union under its dedicated greening and re-afforestation program. “We are not sleeping. We are working each day to create a sustainable solution to the striking effects of climate change,” he added.
The comprehensive program is designed to benefit 15 districts in Eastern Uganda, including eight within the Teso sub-region. The ICU will play a leading role in mobilizing local clans, identifying beneficiaries, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project. A significant component of the plan involves the creation of a vital forest corridor in the Napak belt of Karamoja, which is expected to boost biodiversity and support local livelihoods dependent on forest resources.
Ms. Gianna Da Re, Forestry and Agro-forestry Consultant at AICS, elaborated on the Italian agency's contributions. AICS will be responsible for handling the timber forest value chain, providing capacity building, and overseeing technical implementation in close collaboration with ICU and its various departments. “The program will not only involve large-scale tree planting but will also strengthen local capacity to manage forests sustainably,” she affirmed.
The initiative has already garnered international attention. A delegation of diplomats and stakeholders from Denmark, alongside officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Water and Environment, is scheduled to meet with key ICU leaders on Tuesday at the union’s headquarters in Soroti City. This crucial meeting will finalize the operational framework and ensure robust community engagement before the first trees are planted.
The Iteso Cultural Union views this endeavor as a cornerstone of its broader mission to safeguard natural resources while simultaneously improving the socio-economic well-being of its people. Central to its success will be active community participation, with local clans playing a critical role in nurturing seedlings, protecting young trees, and integrating conservation practices into their daily lives.
About the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS):
Established in 2014 under the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, AICS is the official body responsible for planning and implementing Italy’s international development and humanitarian assistance programs. Operating in over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, its mandate encompasses supporting sustainable economic growth, protecting the environment, promoting human rights, and strengthening local institutions. In Uganda, AICS has been actively involved in projects ranging from rural development and renewable energy to climate change adaptation, and through this new partnership, it extends its expertise in forestry, agro-forestry, and community-based resource management to combat deforestation and promote long-term environmental sustainability in Eastern Uganda.
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