The National Forestry Authority set aside over 200,000 hectares in 200 forest reserves around the country to be allocated to concessions for tree growing. The process was however stopped by a presidential directive in 2008 after it was mired in corruption. The authorities said over 80,000 hectares have so far been planted under the allocated land. President Yoweri Museveni withdrew that directive late in 2017 allowing the authority to advertise the available concessions early this year.

This followed sustained request from conservationists urging the president to relax the directive arguing that it had affected commercial tree farming. Paul Musamali the Acting Executive Director National Forestry Authority says the concessions are meant to reduce pressure on the natural forests. “So far, the private sector has planted 80,000 hectares out of the one licensed to them of about 120,000. NFA has planted about 13,000 hectares across the country.” Said, Paul Musamali – Acting ED, NFA. Musamali is concerned of the increasing impunity noting that more tree cover is decreasing annually to people considered untouchables. “We have conditions, for example, someone must have the capital to invest, and someone must respect the law which requires that you should not engage in other illegal activities other than tree planting.”

Winning concessionaries have been warned against planting none recommended tree species. For now, eucalyptus, pine, Terminalia, and masopsis are recommended by the license. “NFA specifies the species to plant even when we are giving the offer letters, the National Forestry Authority is very specific to the species that you must plant.” Said, Leo Twinmuhangi – Coordinator of Planning, NFA. A list containing 154 concession winners was already pinned at the authority headquarters. The license required them to plant at least 50% of the allocated land within two years as a commitment.