Adjumani, Uganda: In the heart of Adjumani District, the Lori Community Woodlot project is not just planting trees, it is transforming lives.
In an exclusive with DailyExpress‘ David Anyanzo, Mr. Magwe Patrick Tiondi, Chairman of the Lori Community Woodlot, shared how the 15-acre reforestation project, comprised of 93 dedicated members—has become a powerful source of income, environmental protection, and hope.
Q: What inspired the establishment of this community woodlot project?
Tiondi: This area has been hit by scorching sunshine for a long time. We needed a solution, and trees are that solution. The woodlot not only provides fresh air and acts as a windbreaker, but it also encourages rainfall formation.
Q: How is the project financially supporting members?
Tiondi: We received over UGX 50 million to kickstart the project. Each member gets UGX 5,500 daily—UGX 4,000 is payment for their labor and UGX 1,500 goes into mandatory savings. This has greatly improved our standard of living.
Q: What are some key achievements so far?
Ambayo Ceaser, Secretary: We planted over 4,000 seedlings. Members worked for more than 50 days—from bush clearing to planting. I even encouraged each member to start personal tree gardens. Their commitment pushed the district to name us the best woodlot group in Adjumani.
Q: Has there been any expansion since?
Ambayo: Yes. Because of our performance, we were given more seedlings and expanded by another 15 acres—this time with 97 members, most of them women. Environmentally, we’ve solved many issues. We are committed to reforestation.
Q: What has been the personal impact of the project on individual members?
Igu Tobias, Member: I’ve planted trees on my own two acres now. My standard of living has improved. This is more than a project—it’s a path to self-reliance.
Mr. Dranzu Alex, LC1 Lori Village: I’m proud to be a beneficiary. I urge the government to bring more projects like this to help us fight poverty and climate change.
Q: What is the view of local leaders on the implementation?
Hon. Drazelega Luke, LC3 Chairman: The Lori group is exceptional. They treat the woodlot as their own. What made them the best is their ownership and commitment. But we still have challenges—funds delay and procurement processes are slow, leading to late planting which risks drought or excess rain.
Q: What recommendations do you have for improving the program?
Drazelega: I want the desk officer to empower agriculture officers as focal persons. They should guide on soil testing and suitable tree species. My office should be involved right from the planning stage. Also, let the funds come at the right time to avoid avoidable setbacks.
Q: What is the broader purpose of this initiative?
Gulam Abubakar, Desk Officer: The Project Development Objective is to address the adverse effects of hosting refugees by improving socio-economic infrastructure, strengthening environmental management, and expanding livelihood opportunities.
He revealed that to date, a total of UGX 56.4 billion has been received—funding 384 sub-projects and benefiting over 139,000 people. Of this, UGX 13.6 billion is dedicated to 81 sub-projects in refugee settlements alone.
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