By Fahad Muganga
Diamond Trust Bank and the National Forestry Authority have partnered to restore the Kasonke Forest reserve in Masaka, which had seen more than 31% of its total land mass encroached for charcoal, agriculture, and settlement.
The forest, initially measuring 508 hectares, is a vital water catchment area for Lake Victoria, and a key bird sanctuary for Masaka city and surrounding areas. According to the partnership, the initial phase will see at least 10,000 trees planted in 15 hectares mostly consisting of indigenous varieties such as Musizi, Musambya, and others.
Juliet Mubi, the NFA publicist said Kasonke Forest Reserve has long been cherished for its lush ecosystems, dating back to its establishment as a protected area by the colonial administration in 1922. She said historically, the forest played an essential role in preserving water sources, protecting land, and hosting diverse flora and fauna.
However, unregulated encroachment, especially during periods when boundary markings faded, led to substantial environmental harm and posed ongoing threats to the forest’s survival.
“The Kasonke stream, which feeds into Lake Victoria, is vital to local agriculture, helping farmers in surrounding villages. By restoring forest cover, we are not only ensuring the availability of clean water but are also combating the broader challenges posed by climate change. Over the years, these communities have endured erratic weather patterns, unpredictable rains, and prolonged droughts—problems that reforestation can help mitigate,” she said.
She pointed out that Uganda’s forestry cover has been drastically reduced over the decades, falling from nearly 50% at the time of independence to just around 13%. Mubi said the loss of forestry impacts not only biodiversity but also essential resources, such as water sources.
“For example, Masaka had a natural water source that has since dried up due to deforestation. When we lose forests, communities lose vital resources – from firewood to medicinal plants to protection for Lake Victoria’s ecosystem,” she said.
According to Kaziro Kyambadde, DTB’s head of corporate and institutional banking, their partnership with NFA brings in both resources and a shared commitment to sustainability, to align with Uganda’s Vision 2020-2025 and global climate action goals, with DTB committed to achieving Net Zero by 2030.
“At DTB, we view climate risk in finance as critical. It’s why we apply strict ESG criteria to all projects we support. As we finance development, we are committed to ensuring that no project will harm our natural environment. From monitoring pollution in manufacturing to ensuring worker protections, these ESG commitments reflect our belief that banks must actively contribute to sustainable growth,” he said.
As part of its broader sustainability plan, Kyambadde said DTB aims to plant 100,000 trees by the end of the decade, adding that the initiative will equip local communities with skills in sustainable practices, creating avenues for income generation and a shared commitment to conservation. Established by the colonial government in 1922, the Kasonke Forest Reserve was reserved for conservation and water catchment protection.
It spans over 508 hectares, including areas critical to the water systems feeding into Lake Victoria. In recent years, however, encroachment has led to significant degradation, eating away almost 158 hectares of the forest.
