Uganda validates national forest restoration strategy
September 21, 2025
A national milestone for forests
Uganda has taken a major step towards restoring its forests and landscapes with the validation of the National Strategy on Integrated Forest Landscape Restoration (IFLR) 2025–2050.
A four-day workshop in Jinja
From 16–19 September 2025, more than 40 stakeholders from government ministries, the National Forest Authority, NGOs, academia, development partners and UN agencies gathered in Jinja for a four-day National Capacity Building and Consultation Workshop. The event was convened by the UN Forum on Forests Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Environment and the National Forest Authority, as part of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs’ project Turning the tide on deforestation.
Building capacity and validating the strategy
The workshop built capacity on IFLR planning and implementation, covering the concepts and principles of integrated restoration, priority interventions, and the role of different stakeholders. Participants also reviewed the draft national strategy and its financing framework through group discussions and plenary sessions. By the close of the meeting, the strategy was validated, and consensus was reached on a roadmap for implementation and resource mobilisation.
UN support and partnership
Speaking on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator Leonard Zulu, the UN Country Team commended the Government of Uganda and partners for their leadership. “Forests cannot wait. The choices made now will define the resilience of Uganda’s ecosystems and the prosperity of generations to come,” Mr. Zulu noted, pledging the UN’s continued support in mobilising financing and engaging partners for implementation.
Strategy goals and next steps
The IFLR Strategy aims to restore degraded forests and landscapes through afforestation, agroforestry and sustainable land-use projects, while enhancing climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and improving livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
With the strategy now validated, the focus turns to action—translating plans into tangible results that protect Uganda’s natural heritage and create sustainable opportunities for communities across the country.
Read the concept note for more information.