NEW FOREST PLAN CALLS ON CITIZENS TO GREEN KAMPALA

Kampala residents are being urged to take an active role in shaping a greener, healthier city under a new draft Kampala Urban Forest Management Plan unveiled this week by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

The plan, covering 2023/2024 to 2028/29 was presented during a stakeholder engagement event at Hotel Africana on June 17, and outlines bold steps to expand tree cover, protect existing green spaces, and promote environmental stewardship across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA).

“This plan goes beyond policy, it is a call to action for all of us,” said Flavia Zabali, a GIS Analyst speaking on behalf of the Director of Physical Planning at KCCA. “We need residents, communities, schools, businesses, and institutions to embrace urban forestry as part of our shared responsibility to make Kampala green and liveable.”

The new draft builds upon the 2019 -2024 version but includes updates to address challenges such as limited spatial coverage, weak community participation, and the growing impact of climate related events.

It incorporates modern mapping technologies and puts greater emphasis on citizen engagement and tree growing not just planting.

Kampala currently boasts more than 161,000 trees, with Nakawa Division leading in species diversity. Avocado and palm trees remain the most common across the city.

The plan prioritizes the protection of this existing canopy while setting targets for increased tree cover, particularly in densely populated areas with limited access to green spaces.

Professor Hosea Muhanguzi, team leader from Doshnut Consultants who led the plan's development, emphasized the importance of integrating urban forestry into broader city planning.

“Urban forests are not decorative they are essential infrastructure that support climate resilience, health, and quality of life,” Muhanguzi said.

The event drew representatives from key institutions including the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and the Buganda Kingdom.

Stakeholders welcomed the plan’s inclusive approach and its alignment with national environmental goals and Sustainable Development Goal 11, which advocates for sustainable cities.

KCCA’s Secretary for Social Services, Olive Namazzi, challenged both institutions and individuals to turn intention into action.

“Plans are only as strong as the commitment behind them,” Namazzi said. “We must stop treating trees as disposable. Let’s grow them, care for them, and hold each other accountable.”

As the draft plan was presented participants had the opportunity to provide feedback, share ideas, and commit to tree care in their neighborhoods.

Once finalized, the plan will guide greening initiatives throughout the city, reinforcing Kampala’s identity as a progressive and environmentally responsible capital.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relation Officer