dfcu Bank, Uganda Timber Growers Association mark World Environment Day with tree planting drive in Mukono

dfcu Bank, through its impact investment arm, dfcu Foundation, has reinforced its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable economic development by partnering with the Uganda Timber Growers Association (UTGA) to plant trees and train farmers in Mukono District as part of this year’s World Environment Day celebrations.

The initiative, held at Ntakanfunvu in Mukono, forms part of the Foundation’s Tree Planting and Promotion Program (T3P), a flagship sustainability initiative that combines environmental restoration with enterprise development to promote climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and green economic growth.

The event brought together tree growers, forestry experts, and development practitioners for a day of tree planting and capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening sustainable forestry enterprises across Uganda.

According to dfcu Foundation, the programme supports the institution’s long-term goal of growing more than 500,000 trees by 2029. The target is expected to contribute significantly to carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and income generation for farmers.

The Foundation has already made notable progress toward that goal, having planted and distributed more than 62,000 trees in 2025 alone. During the World Environment Day event, more than 80 additional trees were planted, with organizers emphasizing the importance of nurturing trees to maturity rather than focusing solely on planting numbers.

Officials said the initiative reflects a growing recognition that tree growing can serve both environmental and commercial purposes, providing long-term economic benefits to communities while helping address climate change.

The partnership between dfcu Foundation and UTGA is designed to combine financial empowerment with technical forestry expertise. Through the collaboration, tree growers receive training in both sustainable forestry practices and business management skills, enabling them to manage woodlots as profitable enterprises.

Speaking at the event, Dr. James Ssemwanga, Chairperson of both the UTGA and dfcu Foundation Boards, underscored the potential of forestry to create wealth while safeguarding natural resources.

“We have the potential to create wealth and sustain it through the timber business while protecting the environment. We must grow and nurture trees that hold long-term value,” Dr. Ssemwanga said.

Uganda continues to face increasing environmental pressures, including deforestation, land degradation, and climate-related challenges that threaten livelihoods, particularly in rural communities. Stakeholders say initiatives that link environmental conservation with enterprise development offer a practical solution to these challenges.

Under the T3P programme, dfcu Foundation seeks to promote climate-smart livelihoods by supporting farmers to adopt sustainable forestry practices while improving their access to financial services and markets.

Participants at the Mukono event received financial literacy training facilitated by dfcu Foundation. The training covered key areas such as budgeting, record keeping, savings culture, and access to credit—skills considered essential for improving business performance and increasing the bankability of forestry enterprises.

At the same time, UTGA experts provided technical guidance on sustainable woodlot management, helping farmers improve productivity and maximize returns from their forestry investments.

Ms. Sharon Kalanzi, Business Advisor for Central Region at dfcu Foundation, highlighted the importance of financial discipline in building successful forestry enterprises.

She noted that sound financial management enables farmers to improve profitability, enhance sustainability, and increase their chances of accessing financing for expansion.

The World Environment Day activity also marked the culmination of a series of regional cluster meetings organized by UTGA across different parts of the country to strengthen collaboration among tree growers and promote best practices in the forestry sector.

By integrating environmental sustainability into its core operations and partnerships, dfcu Bank says it remains committed to supporting inclusive and climate-resilient growth while empowering communities to achieve both economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.

The initiative demonstrates a growing shift in Uganda’s environmental conservation efforts—from simply planting trees to ensuring that they survive, mature, and deliver lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits.