Efforts to restore Uganda’s forest cover have often been ambitious. However, despite increased tree planting activities, survival rates have remained a challenge not due to lack of commitment, but because of persistent threats such as termite infestations.
To address this gap, the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST), together with its partners, is taking a more strategic and quality-driven approach to commercial forestry.
On March 25, 2026, ECOTRUST convened a Training of Trainers (ToT) session at its Hoima offices, bringing together frontline forestry practitioners including program officers, forest assistants, and nursery managers from ECOTRUST, NIRAS International Consulting Uganda and Green Life International (GLI).
These organizations are key implementing partners under the IFPA-CD Woodlot Project, led by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), with support from the Government of Uganda and the World Bank. The project aims to transform commercial tree planting into a sustainable and economically viable venture for communities.
The training focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills that they will transfer to farmers engaged in commercial tree planting. As the primary link between the project and local communities, these trainers play a critical role in ensuring that best practices are adopted at the grassroots level.
A key theme throughout the training was quality assurance, particularly in termite control, one of the biggest threats to young tree seedlings. Facilitated by experienced tree crop farmer Paul Edyangu, the session emphasized the importance of using effective, science-backed solutions rather than low-cost alternatives that often fail to deliver results.
The project is promoting the use of Termidor, a high-quality, non-repellent pesticide, as a more reliable solution compared to commonly used alternatives such as; Ambush, Rabada, and Imida. While these cheaper options are widely available, they tend to repel termites rather than eliminate them- allowing colonies to survive and continue causing damage.
Termidor, though more expensive, works differently. It is undetectable to termites, allowing it to spread within the colony and effectively eliminate it over time. A single application can protect seedlings for up to 90 days- critical period for early tree establishment and remains active in the soil for several years.
During the session, Edyangu highlighted the quality assurance as a key aspect of the project.
“The selection of termido against other pesticides in the market is because of its intricate value. It doesn’t kill instantly, allowing termites to spread 50 meters from the pit where it is applied allowing the treatment throughout the colony and killing others. Most importantly, a single application guards seedlings for up to 90 days, a critical window for young trees to establish themselves, stays in the soil for 10 years and one liter treats sixty-four hectares”. Edyangu says.
“By using quality termite control, we ensure the trees actually survive to maturity. This is how we move from simply planting trees to actually growing a forest.” He adds.
The training tackled two significant aspects that include; safeguarding of the environment and promoting the health and safety of the farmers and other project implementers.
The ultimate goal of the IFPA CD Woodlot project is to boost Uganda’s forest cover while providing a tangible return on investment for the community. The training spotlighted Eucalyptus as a strategic species for this mission.
Eucalyptus trees are renowned for their rapid growth, offering a much faster return on investment for farmers compared to other species depending on the intended use. In just 5-years, the trees are ready to provide timber and poles for local building needs, after 9-Years: The wood matures for high-value uses like transmission poles, plywood, and heavy construction timber.
By combining high-quality termite protection with fast-maturing species, the project is tackling climate change and poverty simultaneously. As these woodlots survive and thrive, they contribute directly to Uganda’s carbon sequestration efforts and provide farmers with a reliable path to sustainable livelihoods.
Because Termido is a potent chemical, participants were meticulously trained on the application process. This initiative acts as a vital human resource safeguard, ensuring that when information trickles down to the farmers, it includes strict protocols for personal health and environmental safety.
By equipping trainers with these safety standards, the project aims to mitigate the risks associated with chemical handling, protecting both the farmers and the local ecosystems they inhabit.
The participants in the training were taken through the application process. This is a key human resource management initiative to promote the safety of farmers and any individuals that use the pesticide.
With the use of this quality pesticide for termite control, the number of trees that die is limited thus improving on the forest cover in Uganda and poses significant advantages to climate change, and promotion of sustainable livelihoods.
