Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Uganda, often referred to as the “Pearl of Africa,” is facing a critical environmental challenge: rapid deforestation. Forests, covering approximately 11.5% of the nation’s land area, are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and the livelihoods of many Ugandans. However, between 2021 and 2023, Uganda lost over 100,000 hectares of natural forest, accounting for 97% of its total tree cover loss during that period.
In response to this crisis, Uganda’s government is integrating sustainability into its public procurement processes. The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has developed a National Sustainable Public Procurement Action Plan for FY 2022–2026, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12.7, which promotes sustainable public procurement practices .finance.go.ug
Lawrence Semakula, Accountant General in the Ministry, emphasized the importance of embedding sustainability into government procurement cycles. He stated, “We have developed a national action plan for sustainable procurement, which we are integrating into the government procurement cycle.”
A notable example of responsible sourcing is the Adrift Eco Lodge, situated near Kalagala Falls on the Nile River in Eastern Uganda. The lodge was constructed using 70% FSC-certified timber sourced from the Busoga Forestry Company (BFC), demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable building practices in Uganda .
Leanne Haigh, CEO of Adrift, remarked, “For us, it was a no-brainer about how we were going to build this property; procuring FSC sustainable wood was just part of that process.”
The Busoga Forestry Company, a subsidiary of Green Resources AS, plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable forestry in Uganda. Established in 1996, BFC obtained the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody certificate in 2019 and the Forest Management Certificate in 2020. These certifications ensure responsible forest management and guarantee the traceability of responsibly sourced wood and products from the forest to the consumer .
Beyond sustainable timber production, BFC is committed to community development. Employing approximately 900 individuals, primarily from local communities, BFC supports over 16,000 people through various initiatives. The company invests in essential infrastructure, including schools, clinics, and clean water solutions, significantly improving local living standards. Additionally, BFC promotes gender equality, with 32% of its workforce being women in various roles, from middle management to equipment operators.
Annah Agasha, Deputy Director of FSC Africa, believes that the sustainable sourcing example set by Adrift Eco Lodge can be scaled across Uganda. She stated, “Adrift’s use of certified timber from Green Resources to build their ecolodge is a significant milestone. We aim to support them in showcasing this responsibility to their customers.”
David Kiyingi Nyimbwa, Commissioner of the Procurement Policy and Management Department at the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, emphasized that FSC certification can promote legal forestry and strengthen the registration of sustainable forestry companies. He noted, “With FSC, we believe we can work together to promote legal forests and help in the registration of potential and actual [sustainability wood product] providers.”
Uganda’s commitment to sustainable forestry and responsible procurement is a step toward securing a green and resilient future. By integrating sustainability into public procurement processes and supporting responsible sourcing initiatives, Uganda aims to combat deforestation, preserve biodiversity, and promote economic development. The collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities is essential in achieving these goals and ensuring a sustainable future for all Ugandans.
As Uganda continues to prioritize sustainable practices, it sets an example for other nations in the region, demonstrating that economic development and environmental conservation can go hand in hand.
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