The Kisoro district Timber Dealers and Carpenters Cooperative Society Limited has pledged to plant 100,000 trees every season for the next five years as part of their Strategic road-map 2021- 2025.
The revelation was made yesterday during the launch of their five year strategic roadmap at Mubano hotel in Kisoro Municipality.
The chairperson of the Cooperative society and newly appointed member of Kisoro district land board Peter Nsenga says the 121 member association hopes to increase membership to at least 1000 people by 2025.
Nsenga noted that the Association has been supported greatly by partners including World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Uplifting the Rural Poor, a locally based organisation in Kisoro district.
“As we launch this five year strategic plan, we would like to inform the public that we were unable to reach our intended target of 100% due to various challenges, most especially limited funding to carry out activities as well as lack of transport means to carry out monitoring, we hope to do better”, Nsenga explained.
Other activities meant to be achieved by 2025 include a timber yard, demonstration farm and a skilling centre for youth in the district.
Sources within the environment office indicate that the number of forest cover in the district, both Government and privately owned is still unknown.
Cases of deforestation in Kisoro are still very rampant with little to no punitive measures by Government.
WWF country Coordinator David Duli says Ugandans need to wake up to the realities of changing environmental conditions that are largely caused by human activities.
Duli commended the Kisoro timber and carpenters Cooperative society for coming together to empower communities financially while conserve the environment.
“As WWF, we strongly believe in working closely with such groups that seek to positively impact their communities. It is high time we take charge of our environment and empower future generations to love nature”, Duli explained
Chief Guest and State Minister for Youth and children affairs Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi said mind set change among Ugandans is very critical if they are to benefit from timber products.
Hon. Nyirabashitsi says, a former dealer of timber products, it was her experience to see Ugandan timber exported cheaply and later imported as a finished product that is far too expensive for many Ugandans.
She called on the cooperative society to aim at value addition of all their products which will earn them more money.
Kisoro deputy Resident District Commissioner Robert Tukamuhebwa says Kisoro district is truly endowed with natural resources that need to be exploited.
Tukamuhebwa pledged Government support to the cooperative society adding that environmental conservation is a big priority to the Government of Uganda.
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