Uganda Timber Growers Association is an association that brings together tree growers in Uganda for purposes of collective action. The association was formed in 2007 and now boosts of close to a hundred members across the country-both big and small with a total planted area of up to 15,000 hectares.

Our overall objective:

To ensure a sustainable Commercial Forestry Industry i.e. a socio-economic, profitable and environmentally sound industry

Specific objectives of UTGA:

a)      To promote public awareness, advocacy and lobbying for the commercial forestry sector in the country

b)      To promote Training, Research and Development in the commercial forestry sector

c)       To promote competitiveness of the commercial forestry sector

d)      To promote strategic partnerships through networking and information sharing and

e)      To ensure institutional sustainability of the association.

Governance of UTGA:

The association is managed by the Executive Committee comprising of seven members elected by the General Assembly every two years. The Current Executive Committee comprises of;

1.       Mr. Nabanyumya Robert- Chairman

2.       Mrs. Prossy Bahiigwa- Vice Chairperson

3.       Hon. Sheila Kawamara-Secretary General

4.       Mr. Robert Bariho-Treasurer

5.       Ms. Brenda Mwebaze- Exec. Member

6.       Prof. Philip Nyeko-Exec. Member

7.       Dr. Nangendo Florence-Exec. Member.

The Executive Committee reports to the General Assembly. The day to day running of the association is handled by the Secretariat which is headed by an Executive Director. The Secretariat reports to the Executive Committee.

How to join UTGA:

To join the association one (this could be a company, an institution or an individual) is required to be involved in tree growing for a period of at least not less than a year. Upon payment of the membership and subscription fees, a prospective member is given an application form which he has to fill and return to the association office. A member is then registered and issued with a certificate.

Some Milestones achieved so far:

UTGA is involved in the Presidential Investor’s Round Table under the Forest Working Group. This is a forum set up by H.E the President to help investors in addressing hindrances to their investments in the various sectors. UTGA has had very high level meetings with H.E the President of Uganda, the line Minister, the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament, National Forestry Authority, National Forestry Resources Research Institute and other institutions. All this has been geared towards promoting and acquiring support for the sector. The Association is also involved in Commercial Forestry Research and Training Group. This is a group comprising of other institutions in the sector and is geared towards identifying and prioritizing the research needs of the sector. The association acts as a one stop shopping centre for providing information relating to commercial forestry. UTGA is also involved in student placements for internship positions so as to acquire practical skills in commercial forestry.

The association is involved in importation of forestry inputs which are sold to its members at cost prices. These inputs include seed and herbicides. The association also undertook a study which among other things came out with the recommended cost of establishment of a forest plantation on a hectare basis. The study also came out with recommended best practices in commercial forestry.

The association is in advanced stages of partnering with a number of organizations like Forest South Africa, Uganda Investment Authority, Uganda Manufacturers Association, and the East Africa Farmers Federation. The association also continues to work with the SPGS to promote commercial Forestry in Uganda.

Finally, the association has formulated a three year strategic plan which is being operationalised. The association has also just concluded the process of reviewing its constitution to allow for better service delivery to the members.

Way forward:

The association has embarked on operationalising its three year strategic plan and special emphasis is going to be placed on; recruitment of new members into the association, strengthening capacity for bulk purchase of inputs, strengthen our participation in COMFORT, engage in resource mobilization efforts and strengthening our lobbying and advocacy for recognition and support for the sector.

Special acknowledgement:

We are very grateful for the Sawlog Production Grant Scheme for the support they have extended to the association.

Contacts:

We are located on plot 42, Luthuli Rise in Bugolobi, opposite the New Bamboo Nest. For details, call 0772-979824 or email nserekomike@yahoo.com