Soroti district battles deforestation with tree planting initiative
According to officials, deforestation in Soroti is driven by several factors, including the demand for firewood, agricultural expansion, and wetland degradation
SOROTI, October 20, 2025 — Soroti district is grappling with a growing deforestation crisis, as the rate of tree cover loss continues to rise at an alarming rate.
According to a report from the Environment Office, forest cover in Soroti district stands at a mere 30 percent.
George Adutu, the District Natural Resources Officer, recently remarked during a discussion on the deforestation challenge that the district lacks effective forest protection mechanisms, as most of the tree cover lies on private land. This allows landowners to clear trees without consulting the forestry office.
To address this challenge, Adutu revealed plans to plant five million trees across the district. “Forestry is not just about trees; it’s about the sustainable management of our natural resources,” he said.
However, Isa Katwesigye, Assistant Commissioner for Forestry in the Ministry of Water and Environment, expressed concern over the limited resources available for combating deforestation and undertaking restoration efforts.
“The battle against deforestation is being fought with bare hands. More resources are needed to strengthen our efforts and secure a sustainable future,” Katwesigye said.
Meanwhile, Richard Oboi, the Soroti District Planner, pointed out that the district does not receive adequate funding for forest conservation activities.
Leo Hitimana, Forestry Team Leader at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations [FAO], also stressed the importance of preserving indigenous tree species as part of the broader conservation strategy.
With increased support and coordinated efforts, Soroti district hopes to preserve its remaining forest cover and promote sustainable land management practices.
According to Global Forest Watch, in 2020 Soroti had 730 hectares of natural forest, representing just 0.53 percent of its total land area. By 2024, the district had lost 7 hectares of natural forest, equivalent to 2.68 kilotonnes of CO₂ emissions. As of 2020, non-natural tree cover accounted for a further 0.19 percent of the land area.
According to officials, deforestation in Soroti is driven by several factors, including the demand for firewood, agricultural expansion, and wetland degradation. The district has suffered significant tree cover loss since 2001, leading to environmental impacts such as soil erosion and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events.
In response, local authorities have raised concerns and are working on mitigation strategies, including the implementation of Strategic Environmental Impact Assessments [SEIA].
https://thecooperator.news/soroti-teachers-establish-new-sacco-for-financial-relief/
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