Uganda’s timber sector is entering a transformative era, driven not by expansion into natural forests but by the rise of controlled plantations designed to meet growing domestic demand while conserving the country’s remaining native tree cover. Across major forestry regions, from Nakasongola to the Albertine belt, landowners, processors, and development partners are reorganizing how wood is grown, harvested, and supplied to the market.
This shift comes amid increasing concern over environmental degradation and reliance on imported timber. With over 122,000 hectares of natural forest disappearing annually, controlled plantation forestry is emerging as a practical solution for supplying the timber market without pushing fragile ecosystems to the brink.
A System Built on Rotation
At the heart of this approach is predictable harvesting. Plantations are divided into blocks that mature at different intervals, ensuring a continuous supply while allowing younger trees to grow.
> “We spread harvesting evenly so that as one batch matures, another is growing,” explains Zainabu Kakungulu, National Project Coordinator at the FAO. “This prevents the cycle of cutting everything at once and being left with nothing.”
Through EU-supported initiatives, more than 32,000 hectares of private plantations are now managed under controlled systems. Forestry clusters in Hoima, Kiboga, Mubende, and Nakasongola connect over 200 growers with processors, stabilizing prices and reinvesting revenues into replanting.
Plantations That Support Workers and Communities
At Kirangwa Investments in Mubende, the benefits of controlled forestry are tangible. The 778-acre plantation includes 266 acres of pine, with the remainder planted with eucalyptus. Employment ranges from 150 year-round workers to 250 during peak planting periods.
> “Each hectare starts with 250–300 trees. After three and a half years, we harvest 50% of the trees, at seven years we take 25%, and the rest grow up to 17 years for electricity poles,” says Dr. Godfrey Bahiigwa, Director of Kirangwa Investments. “This staged approach ensures timber is structurally sound and industrially valuable for construction and energy needs.”
Technology and Investment
Modern processing technology is central to the sector’s evolution. Supported by nearly €10 million (UGX 41 billion) in EU financing, 70–100 SMEs have received training, equipment upgrades, and business coaching.
> “The goal is to replace imported timber with local materials while reducing the carbon footprint,” says Kakungulu. New machinery minimizes waste, maximizes yield, and adds value to each harvested tree, essential for plantation systems where output is carefully calculated.
Strengthening Standards
Some private growers are also pursuing international certifications, with Kirangwa Investments holding FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accreditation.
> “Certification ensures that forests are planted, managed, and harvested responsibly while protecting natural ecosystems,” explains Bahiigwa. “We preserve natural bands, avoid sensitive areas like valleys and streams, and maintain biodiversity patches.”
Under the EU-backed SPGS program, the company received support for sawmill investments and reimbursement of up to 60% of maintenance costs, strengthening both sustainability and profitability.
Balancing Profit and Conservation
While controlled plantations are not substitutes for natural forests, they provide a viable bridge between market demand, community livelihoods, and forest conservation. Experts emphasize careful management to avoid monoculture-related problems such as biodiversity loss and soil degradation.
At Kirangwa, the sight of trees at varying growth stages alongside active harvests and a humming sawmill demonstrates a new reality: Uganda’s timber future is being shaped by planning, stewardship, and sustainable growth, rather than uncontrolled extraction.
