The project, officially launched on 10th April 2025 at Kigo Carpentry Village, is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and funded by the European Union, as part of the broader EU-Uganda Forest Partnership.
The Sustainable Wood-Based Value Chains Project is a โฌ15 million (UGX 20 billion) initiative aimed at building a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally responsible wood sector in Uganda. It marks a significant step forward in supporting commercial forestry and value addition in the country.
Speaking at the launch, Sanne Willems, Team Leader for Green Transition & Private Sector at the EU Delegation to Uganda, reaffirmed Team Europeโs commitment to the countryโs green industrialisation efforts.
โTeam Europe is proud to deepen its support for Ugandaโs wood sector. This project builds on years of EU investment in commercial tree plantations and now shifts the focus to processing, markets, and sustainable growth,โ said Willems.
Three Pillars for Sectoral Transformation
The five-year project is anchored around three key outcomes designed to unlock the economic and environmental potential of Ugandaโs wood industry:
- Boosting the Legal Wood Supply from Planted Forests
- Enhancing Processing and Market Demand
- Improving SME Access to Affordable Finance
A cornerstone of the project is its emphasis on inclusive investment and support for SMEs and local artisans, particularly those working in Ugandaโs expanding carpentry and furniture sector. By building capacity and encouraging responsible entrepreneurship, the initiative aims to create jobs, stimulate rural economies, and reduce pressure on natural forests.
The launch event at Kigo Carpentry Village was attended by government officials, private sector actors, and community leaders, all echoing the importance of linking environmental sustainability with value chain development.
The FAO and EU reaffirmed their long-term commitment to working with Uganda to scale sustainable forestry solutions, foster innovation, and make the wood sector a model for climate-smart industrial development.
Courtsey Photos: FAO and EU
