• vital roots
• July 21, 2025

Vital Roots Initiative is launching a large-scale tree planting project in the Lake Kyoga Basin, in Norther Uganda to support climate resilience, environmental restoration, and sustainable livelihoods for communities in the region.

Why This Matters Now:

The Lake Kyoga Basin faces worsening environmental degradation due to combination of human activities and natural processes that negatively impact the environment. Key drivers include pollution, deforestation for continuous mass tree cutting for charcoal burning, unsustainable land use, and climate change. These factors lead to the depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and a decline in the overall health of ecosystems. This has in turn caused;

⚠️ Declining rainfall patterns, ⚠️ Severe soil erosion, ⚠️ Decreased soil fertility and⚠️ Shrinking water sources feeding into Lake Kyoga basin
These changes threaten local agriculture, water availability, food security, and community livelihoods across the basin. Immediate action is essential to restore the ecosystem and build climate-resilient communities.

What We intend to Do

·        Plant Native and Fruit Trees in collaboration with local youth, schools, and community groups.

·        Restore degraded landscapes and protect water catchments.

·        Improve soil fertility to support sustainable agriculture.

·        Strengthen community ownership for long-term stewardship and care.

This project directly aligns with our Environmental Conservation and Climate Resilience pillar, contributing to the health of the Lake Kyoga ecosystem while improving community livelihoods.

How You Can Engage: We are currently seeking partners across all sectors to join the cause, but also call for seedling suppliers, community partners, and local service providers to support this activity through seedling supply, site preparation, and community mobilization.