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Kyaninga Forest Foundation

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Kyaninga Forest Foundation

Kyaninga Forest Foundation works to protect the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the natural world to the benefit of all those who depend upon it

Kyaninga Forest Foundation (KFF) was set-up in 2010 initially to help local communities in the vicinity of Lake Kyaninga and the surrounding Kyaninga Forest find ways to deal with the ever-increasing demand for natural resources such as firewood. Through this community-based work the urgent need for a wider intervention was recognized and KFF attained NGO status in 2017 to address these issues. In

the previous 7 years work, KFF successfully planted over 40,000 indigenous trees which saw a dramatic increase in both the abundance and biodiversity of many birds, primates, insects and lizards in the Kyaninga Forest. Similarly, the distribution of trees to local communities has helped reduce the pressure on the remaining forest but as the Ugandan population continues to rise at an alarming rate, the need to provide sustainable sources of energy and transfer knowledge on climate-smart agricultural practices has become evermore prominent. As such, KFF is now looking to work with communities across the wider Kabarole District in Western Uganda in finding sustainable methods to provide for future generations, whilst maintaining intact and stable ecosystems. Although the focus point of KFF’s work is mainly in forestry, projects are also under way to conserve and protect other important ecosystems such as rivers, swamps and lakes, where trees play an integral part in soil stabilization. Such interventions aid in preventing siltation of such ecosystems and ensuring that water quality remains high but also in reducing the loss of agricultural land through erosion.

24/07/2025

🌍🌳 Uganda’s Forests Are Under Siege — We Must Act Now 🌳🌍

From Kitubulu Forest Reserve in Entebbe to countless others across the country, Uganda’s natural forests are facing unprecedented pressure. Recent reports of land giveaways in protected areas like Kitubulu (Daily Monitor, July 2025) are just the tip of the iceberg in a growing trend of forest degradation, illegal encroachment, and short-sighted development.

Forests are not empty land—they are life-support systems. They regulate climate, store carbon, filter water, shelter biodiversity, and support millions of livelihoods. In dense urban areas such as Entebbe, they are critical refuges for wildlife and people. Yet, Uganda continues to lose thousands of hectares each year.

We call on all Ugandans to:
🌱 Speak up for our forests
🌱 Hold leaders accountable
🌱 Support forest conservation efforts
🌱 Say NO to land giveaways in protected areas

Let Kitubulu be a wake-up call. Forests are not for sale. They are our shared future. 🌳💚

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/entebbe-authorities-protest-giveaway-of-part-of-kitubulu-forest-5127400

26/06/2025

🌳👥Meet the Team!👥🌳

Meet Birungi Peluce, or Abwooli, as we know her by her empaako. Peluce joined KFF in March 2021 as a Nursery assistant. Since then, she has developed her knowledge of, and skills in raising indigenous trees, to now manage our main nursery at Kyaninga.

In her own words, Abwooli says she wanted to work in the sector to conserve local biodiversity and help educate people on the importance of trees:

“I have always wanted to encourage communities to conserve local biodiversity and promote sustainable forestry practices that contribute to habitat restoration and reforestation efforts. My proudest achievements at KFF so far have been:
1. Successfully propagating and planting rare and endangered indigenous tree species such as Entandrophragma utile and Warburgia ugandensis.
2. Seeing community members adopt and care for indigenous trees in their own gardens.
3. Raising over 50,000 indigenous tree seedlings every year which contribute towards large-scale planting to restore native ecosystems.”

Keep up the fantastic work, Peluce - we are incredibly grateful for your dedication to raising healthy indigenous seedlings and maintaining great diversity in the native species we grow!

BOS+

12/06/2025

🌳👥Meet the Team!👥🌳

We're excited to launch a new series that shines a spotlight on the passionate people behind the trees. Each week, we’ll introduce you to one of our incredible staff members who are making a difference every day. Stay tuned to get to know the faces driving our mission forward, and learn a little about the traditional Batooro naming system of empaako.

An empaako is a special pet name given in addition to a person's given name and surname. It is used as a term of endearment and respect, helping to strengthen social bonds and express affection and unity. There are 12 official empaako names and the tradition is recognized by UNESCO as an element of intangible cultural heritage, valued for its role in promoting peace, social cohesion, and identity in the communities that use it.

First up in this series is Bagambaki John Mary Vianney, or Baala as we know him by his empaako, who joined KFF in March 2021 having graduated from Nyabyeya Forestry College. Since then, he has spearheaded our agroforestry work in farming systems in Bundibugyo District.

In his own words, Baala says he wanted to work in forest conservation due to his connection with nature:

“I have always had a deep appreciation for mother nature and I have wanted to work with local communities to conserve the environment, its ecosystems and species. My proudest achievements at KFF so far have been:
1. Raising awareness about environmental issues through agroforestry in different landscapes through delivering trainings.
2. Contributing to the restoration of cocoa farming landscapes through tree planting campaigns.
3. Establishing an indigenous tree nursery in Bundibugyo that is aiding in the diversification and multiplication of different tree species.

I am really looking forward to continuing this work and I am excited about our new partnership with African Trade Winds and COCOASOURCE to scale up indigenous tree agroforestry and restoration in the Semliki ecosystem!”

Keep up the fantastic work, Baala - we are also very excited to be expanding our work in Bundibugyo and are very proud of you for leading it!

BOS+ UNESCO

05/06/2025

🌍🌿 World Environment Day 2025 🌿🌍

This year, let's turn our attention to wetlands — the planet's unsung heroes, and some of the incredible wildlife they support such as Uganda's majestic crested crane.

From filtering water and preventing floods to storing carbon and sheltering wildlife, wetlands do more than we often realise. Yet, they're disappearing three times faster than forests! The situation is dire in Uganda – it is losing 2% of its wetlands on an annual basis and coverage sits below 9% of total land area, down from over 15% only a few decades ago.

Alongside Join for Water, Ministry of Water and Environment, Natural Resources Defense Initiatives (NRDI) and the City Authorities, we are working to protect wetlands in Fort Portal City with generous funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. In particular, we are sensitising communities living alongside wetlands to the dangers of fire for bush clearing, and we are also designing and constructing a state-of-the-art wetland education centre in the city to drive environmental education for school children, local stakeholders, and the general public.

💧 🫗 Wetlands = Clean water
🦆 🐊 🐍 🐟 🦋 Wetlands = Biodiversity
🌱 🌍 Wetlands = Climate resilience

This , let's pledge to protect, restore, and respect our wetlands — because when we save wetlands, we take a step towards true environmental restoration and a safe, clean, future!

Join For Water

04/06/2025

🌱Working with trees means playing the long game.🌳

Unlike quick-win projects, reforestation and agroforestry takes time — seasons pass before seedlings become saplings, and years before saplings start to resemble trees. It can often be decades before forests begin to take shape and it can be hard to see immediate impact, and progress often feels slow and invisible.

But today, we’re beginning to see real change from tree planting undertaken over 4 years ago — healthy young Khaya anthotheca and Trema orientalis trees standing strong, native species returning, and landscapes starting to slowly heal in Harugongo sub-county.

What is even more rewarding, is that some of these trees are now bearing fruits and seeds! We can now train farmers to harvest and propagate these indigenous trees within their own farms to allow them to become fully independent agents of environmental restoration

It’s a reminder that patience, persistence, and community engagement do work. It also inspires us to continue this work as we can now visualise how the trees we are giving to farmers now will look in a few years’ time!
Here's to growing roots for the future — one tree at a time. 💚

BOS+

22/05/2025

🌴🏡 Rehoming alert! 🏡🌴

On International Day of Biodiversity, we would like to share a very exciting milestone in our mission to save a Critically Endangered species.

You may have seen videos of iconic species such as elephants, giraffes, lions, bears, or rhinos. But have you ever seen the rehoming of a very special plant species?

This is exactly what we have just done with an Mpanga Falls cycad (Encephalartos whitelockii) with the help of our community partners.

Endemic to Mpanga Gorge, these plants have been poached for years and now adorn government offices, luxury hotel lawns, and the compounds of wealthy individuals even though the removal of this plant from Mpanga Gorge is illegal and protected under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The last population census over 15 years ago estimated the population to be 8,000 individuals. Unfortunately, following years of deleterious poaching, bush fires, and land management practices, the current population is estimated to be lower which is why this species is categorised as critically endangered. Cycads are also dioecious - they are either male or female. So in order to reproduce, there must be a viable population of both male and female individuals. This is why it is critical to ensure adults of breeding age remain in their only natural habitat, as once removed, they will never reproduce and the species will remain at risk of extinction.

We had been considering this activity for a while, but asking people to volunteer to donate an iconic ornamental plant had proved challenging! Then in January this year, Field Officer Johnson was visiting a landowner and noticed a cycad in their garden. Upon seeing it, he started to discuss the plight of this remarkable plant with the landowner who was unaware of its precarious future and legal status. The landowner agreed to donate the individual to us to trial a translocation into our Cycad Conservation and Breeding Hub established under the IUCN Land Acquisition Fund last year.

These photos show the effort that has gone in to returning just one plant to its natural habitat - it takes 5 people to lift this relatively small individual, and then some good old Ugandan ingenuity and resourcefulness to drag it over a kilometre up a hill in a wheelbarrow to its .

We will be monitoring its progress over the coming months and years to decide whether this is a viable option to increase the population of breeding-age cycads in their natural habitat to secure its long-term future.

If you would like to learn more about this project, or know of any cycads that need a loving home, please get in touch!

10/05/2025

🌳 The hard work never stops! 🌳

This season, it has been difficult to distribute trees to our farmers due to late and unpredictable rains and mechanical issues with our distribution vehicles. But that doesn't stop us working flat out to reach our farmers - even if that means working on our days off and removing seats from Programme Manager Alex's car to fill it full with over 15 species of indigenous trees and 5 fruit species! Alongside Field Officer Jacinta, they delivered 413 trees to 8 farmers today in Harugongo Sub-county.

Jacinta will monitor these trees for at least 3 years on a quarterly basis to ensure they are performing well and she will offer advice to the farmers if they are having issues or have any questions about how to best care for them.

Unlike many tree planting projects that we see in Uganda, at KFF we don't just aim to distribute as many exotic trees as possible without caring if they are ever even planted - we ensure all the indigenous trees we give out are planted and cared for to ensure they benefit people and restore degraded ecosystems.

BOS+

07/05/2025

🌳🌱 Supporting communities to protect their forests and way of life and choose their own futures! 🌱🌳

This week, KFF Satellite Nursery Officer, Thomas, has been in the Rwenzori Mountains working alongside Fight For The Forgotten to deliver and plant indigenous trees on communal land.

The Batwa are traditional hunter-gatherers who lived in the forests of the Great Lakes region for centuries. However, in the 1990s, they were evicted from their ancestral homes in Semuliki National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda for . Today, many Batwa live on the park's edges or in nearby settlements, with no, or very limited access to the park for resources like food, medicine, and firewood on which they have relied for eternity.

Our partnership with Fight for the Forgotten seeks to provide some of these resources that they have been excluded from obtaining for decades by planting tree species on their newly acquired communal land.

Last year, we established a tree nursery with the Batwa and conducted a series of trainings on nursery management and seed collection.

This rainy season, we will plant over 2,000 trees covering an array of medicinal, fruit, timber, and firewood species as well as those that the Batwa have traditionally used for making crafts and tools.

Please get in touch if you would like to learn more about this project or support it and help us create an ecosystem for the Batwa to thrive in.

15/04/2025

🌳Today is the 2nd Indigenous Tree Day!🌳

Alongside Lukango Tree Conservancy and partner organisations of the African Tree Seeds Group, we are celebrating the wonderful diversity of indigenous tree species across Africa. This day is dedicated to addressing biodiversity loss by promoting the conservation and sustainable use of indigenous tree species. By aligning conservation with local needs, we hope that the initiative fosters stronger connections between communities and native flora.

We are proud to be celebrating by planting with schools in Western Uganda, as well as planting community arboretums to secure indigenous tree seed availability for conservation, education, and scientific research regarding trees, saving endangered tree species, providing vital spaces for preserving biodiversity, studying plant life and engaging the public in environmental stewardship.

Today, we have planted over 30 indigenous tree species across 5 schools and community arboretums - providing a mixture of fruit, medicinal, firewood, timber, nitrogen-fixing, and shade trees.

We received a lovely welcome at Kamengo Primary School, Fort Portal City, where students treated us to songs and poems about the environment. Engaging the youth is critical to environmental protection for the following reasons:

1. They’re the Future Stewards of the Planet
Young people will inherit the environmental challenges we face today—climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, etc. Involving them early ensures they’re informed, empowered, and ready to make sustainable decisions when they become leaders.
2. Fresh Perspectives and Innovation
Youth bring creativity, energy, and new ways of thinking. They’re often more tech-savvy and open to innovative solutions—whether it’s using social media to raise awareness or developing eco-friendly technologies.
3. Building Lifelong Habits
Engaging youth helps instill eco-conscious values and behaviors from an early age. When conservation becomes part of their identity, they’re more likely to continue sustainable practices throughout life.
4. Powerful Advocates and Influencers
Young people have a strong voice and influence in their communities and online. They can be passionate advocates, rallying peers, families, and even governments to take action.
5. Creating Inclusive, Long-Term Solutions
Sustainable conservation solutions require the input of all generations. Youth engagement ensures that policies and initiatives reflect the needs and ideas of younger generations, making them more inclusive and resilient.
6. Intergenerational Learning
Youth can learn from older generations’ experience, while also challenging outdated practices. This two-way learning strengthens conservation efforts and promotes collaboration.

Please get in touch if you would like to learn more about the work of Kyaninga Forest Foundation, the African Tree Seeds Group, or you are interested in indigenous trees!

🌳

21/03/2025

🌳🌍 Happy International Day of Forests 🌍🌳

This year, we celebrate with the theme "Forests and Food" – a reminder that forests are not just the lungs of our planet, but also a vital source of nourishment for nature and people alike! 🌱

Forests provide fruits, nuts, spices, and medicinal plants that sustain millions of people worldwide. They also support biodiversity, ensuring healthy ecosystems for future generations.

Just as we advocate for the adoption of indigenous trees in agroforestey, we also promote indigenous foods that these trees provide. Some of the delicious fruit species we distribute to farmers include:

🌳Vangueria apiculata (A sweet, sticky fruit eaten as a snack that is high in fibre and Vitamin C)
🌳Tamarindus indica (Tamarind - the pods contain a sticky paste which can be eaten raw, used to make drinks, and syrups. When mixed with salt, becomes a sweet-sour flavour in curries. It is high in fibre, as well as vitamin B and antioxidant)
🌳 Dovyalis macrocalyx (sweet orange/red berries)
🌳 Myrianthus arboreus (Giant mulberry - a sweet fruit containing antioxidants with seeds that contain 30% protein)
🌳Vitex doniana (Black plum that tastes like prunes and contains Vitamins A, B, and C)
🌳Treculia africana (African breadfruit. The seeds taste similar to peanuts when roasted and contain high levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamins A and B)

Today is a day to reflect on the incredible role of forests in our everyday lives and a call to action to protect our forests, embrace sustainable, local food choices, and appreciate nature’s incredible larder! 🌿🍽️

20/03/2025

💧🌳🌍Uganda Water and Environment Week 2025 is in full swing!🌍🌳💧

Our Programme Manager, Alex, is participating alongside the Ministry of Water and Environment Albert Water Management Zone (AMWZ) in the 8th National Water and Environment Week (UWEWK2025) in Kampala this week🚰.

Western Uganda is home to diverse communities that depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. However, population pressure has increased rates of deforestation and unsustainable land use, consequently threatening both the environment🏞 and local economies.

This year's theme is "Water and Environment Resources for Enhanced Resilience and Improved Incomes and Livelihoods". Instead of cutting down forests for timber or firewood, Kyaninga Forest Foundation works to train households to sustainably harvest trees through techniques such as pollarding and coppicing, and sell Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) such as medicinal plants, indigenous wild fruits, bamboo, and eco-charcoal. This approach provides economic benefits to local farmers whilst supporting environmental conservation.

In addition, the burden of collecting materials falls almost entirely on women and children, often keeping children out of school👩‍🎓as they have to walk long distances to find remaining forest patches. By promoting NTFPs at the farm and community level, we can empower communities, reduce the burden on women and children, conserve forests, and create sustainable income opportunities that allow families to send their children to school and increase their economic resilience.

BOS+
IUCN Forest
Join For Water
Joint Effort to Save the Environment - JESE

13/03/2025

It's Regional Water Week!💧🚰

This week we are working alongside the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), NGO partners such as For Water Joint Effort to Save the Environment - JESE and NRDI, and Civil Society Organisations to promote the sustainable use of water resources. As KFF, we are championing (NBS) such as indigenous tree planting🌳, organic fertilizer use, reduction in the use of fire🔥, and environmental education👩‍🎓to help restore Western Uganda's rivers, wetlands, and lakes🏞for the benefit of people and nature alike.

So far we have exhibited at Tooro Botanical Gardens where we showcased our work to schools, District and City Officials, and other important stakeholders, as well as demonstrating tree planting techniques at schools in Kabarole District, and participating in radio talk shows. We're excited to join the regional debates later this week to round off a successful week!

Next week we will be heading to Kampala to showcase our work at the national level alongside the MWE Albert Water Management Zone. Please visit us at the MWE Offices in Luzira to learn how you can contribute to the conservation and restoration of Uganda's forests and water resources!

BOS+ IUCN NL

Address

Fort Portal

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+256785387206

Website

https://www.kff.ug/

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