Uganda: EU provides EUR 40M to tackle deforestation and promote reforestation

The European Union (EU) is making available grant financing to Uganda to the tune of EUR 40 million (Ugx. 167 billion) to tackle the root causes of deforestation in the country while promoting reforestation and sustainable economic development.

The grant-financing was announced during the occasion of the high-level visit to Uganda by Mr. Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries.

During his visit, Commissioner Sinkevičius met Uganda’s President H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and together launched the new EU Forestry programme with Uganda which is based on the extensive experience of the EU in the forestry sector in the country.

‘‘With these milestones which are a demonstration of common aspirations, we envision achieving the European Green Deal's objectives and the Global Gateway – the EU’s sustainable connectivity strategy. This includes enhancing the role of forests in the bio-economy and nurturing our trade flows of wood material,” said Commissioner Sinkevičius.

President Museveni welcomed the new EU support to the sector and offered the Government of Uganda commitment to its successful implementation. “This is a good initiative because it will help us protect our forests and also deal with those who want to encroach on the forests,” said President Museveni.

Read the article