Every year on 12th August, International Youth Day celebrates the pivotal role of young people in building a sustainable future. Through its conservation and climate-smart agriculture programmes, ECOTRUST is actively empowering young farmers with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to excel in agroforestry, sustainable land management, and green livelihoods.

By directly involving youth in restoration initiatives, ECOTRUST is nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards, young leaders who are equipped to protect Uganda’s landscapes while boosting community prosperity and their own livelihoods.

In many parts of Uganda, young people are often focused on quick wins, prioritising short-term jobs, sports, and immediate opportunities. However, in Kikuube District, a new generation is beginning to think differently. With the support of the IFPA-CD project, youth like Kato Nelson Mandela are embracing tree planting not just as an environmental activity, but as a long-term investment in their future.

Mandela, the newly elected Youth Councillor for Kiziranfumbi Sub-County, is one of these young leaders. As he took office in May 2026, he placed environmental conservation, particularly commercial tree planting, at the centre of his vision for community development. For Kato, tree planting is not a side activity; it is for climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

“Even though I am young, my fellow youth voted for me as a Councillor because they believe in my ability and capacity to serve them and positively contribute to the development of my community,” Kato says.

His leadership was evident during a recent community engagement organised by NIRAS International Consulting Uganda. In a space largely occupied by older farmers, Kato stood out not just for his age, but for his confidence and clarity of thought. He spoke passionately about the need to balance industrial development with environmental protection.

Kikuube District sits at the heart of Uganda’s emerging oil economy, and with this comes both opportunity and risk. Kato is particularly concerned about the environmental impact of oil extraction and sees tree planting as a practical solution to help mitigate these effects.

“Our district has oil, and when extraction begins, there are fears that emissions could affect air quality. This is why it is important to plant trees to secure our future. Youth participation in this process is crucial,” he explains.

However, despite the opportunities, youth participation in tree-planting initiatives remains low. Challenges such as limited access to land and low awareness continue to hinder their involvement. Kato’s own journey into conservation was shaped by community outreach efforts by the NIRAS International Consulting Uganda and the Environmental Conservation Trust of Uganda (ECOTRUST).

Through this platform, he learned about the IFPA-CDA Woodlot Programme, an initiative that promotes sustainable commercial forestry while supporting farmers with knowledge and resources.

“My desire for tree planting was strengthened by the awareness I got from ECOTRUST. Through their Farmer’s Voice Radio program, I learned more about tree-planting and the IFPA-CDA Woodlot Programme, which I wanted to join,” he says.

Kato has already started planting trees on his own land and sees this as a long-term investment.

“I am lucky to have my own land where I have been growing some trees. With the project, I believe I will be able to plant even more. In the long run, these trees will be a source of income and help me live sustainably in the future,” he adds.

Community leaders have also taken note of his enthusiasm. Lawrence Azoora, the farmer leader of the Kiziranfumbi Farmers’ Community, believes Kato’s example can inspire wider youth participation.

“It is encouraging to see young people take an interest in initiatives like this. Kato’s involvement will motivate other youth to join and encourage parents to make land available to their children for tree planting,” he says.

District officials emphasise that involving young people is not optional; it is essential for the sustainability of such programs.

Wilfred Abitegeka, the Kikuube District Forest Officer, highlights the risks of excluding youth from long-term environmental investments.

“It is very important that youth are involved. If only parents participate, the program will not be sustainable. Without understanding the value of trees, young people may sell land or cut down trees for short-term gain, yet these trees have long-term commercial and environmental benefits,” he explains.

Tree planting is a long-term commitment, often taking over a decade to realise full benefits. This makes it even more important for both parents and young people to work together, ensuring knowledge transfer, shared responsibility, and continuity.

As Kato prepares to step into office, he remains committed to championing youth inclusion in environmental conservation.

“When I assume office, I will advocate for more youth to have access to land for tree planting. We are the ones who will inherit this environment, so we must be the ones to protect it,” he says.

Through these continued efforts to empower communities with knowledge, resources, and sustainable financing models, young leaders like Kato are proving that tree planting is more than just growing trees; it is about growing a generation ready to protect, invest in, and benefit from Uganda’s natural resources.

These initiatives are part of the IFPA-CD Woodlot Programme, a strategic Government of Uganda initiative under the Ministry of Water and Environment, supported by the World Bank, with a core goal of de-risking commercial forestry by transforming tree planting into a viable and sustainable investment for rural households across Uganda.