Plant for Primates Initiative
On 19th July 2025, Mayooba Eco Foundation officially launched the Plant for Primates Initiative at Mukono COU, Buhoma, adjacent to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This community tree-growing campaign is designed to:
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Support local livelihoods through the promotion of fruit tree planting and bamboo value addition.
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Advance environmental conservation efforts in communities adjacent to critical habitats for mountain gorillas and other primates.
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Promote sustainable tourism by restoring habitats and engaging the community in conservation-driven livelihood opportunities.
The launch event attracted stakeholders from government agencies, conservation organizations, the private sector, religious institutions, local leaders, and community members, demonstrating the collective commitment to environmental stewardship in the Bwindi conservation area.
Click on the link to download the full Plant for Primates Launch report:
Objectives
The Plant for Primates Initiative aims to,
✅ Increase tree cover in buffer zones around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
✅ Provide alternative and sustainable sources of income to the locals through fruits and bamboo products.
✅ Reduce human-wildlife conflict by creating buffer zones with non-palatable species while providing alternative food sources for communities.
✅ Foster environmental education and conservation awareness within local schools and communities.
✅ Empower youth and women groups with climate-smart and green job opportunities.
✅ Contribute to Uganda’s commitments to climate action under the Paris Agreement and SDG 13.
Bamboo Skills Training
The launch featured a hands-on training session on bamboo value addition, facilitated by the Bamboo Innovation Hub in partnership with Mayooba Eco Foundation. Community members learned practical skills to produce:
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Eco-friendly travel mugs and cups
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Simple home utensils from bamboo
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Basic bamboo crafts for income generation
This aligns with our strategy to empower communities with sustainable livelihood skills that complement conservation goals while reducing dependence on forest resources.
Tree Planting at the Launch
During the launch, 240 fruit tree seedlings (avocado, mango, jack fruits and guava) and 10 bamboo seedlings were planted by different partners and guests, each giving a unique name to their tree, symbolizing their commitment to conservation and community empowerment.
Trees were planted by:
Chief Guest, Mr. Moses Bashija, Mayor of Buhoma Town Council named his tree after the late Venerebo Beshubeho the first Christian leader in Buhoma from the Anglican church. He gave remarks which emphasized the critical role of communities in conservation, highlighting that tree planting is not just an environmental action but a socio-economic opportunity. He encouraged youth and women to embrace bamboo and fruit tree farming to diversify income and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Reverend Rabane Timbisasa
He name his after his 4 year of service at Mukono COU
Mr. Gracious Twebaze
CTPH Representative/ Partner Representative
Kyasiimire Immaculate Shantel, Plant for Primates Ambassador
Ayebare Isaac, Founder & CEO, Mayooba Eco Foundation
Planting a Jack fruit at the lauch.
We acknowledge and deeply appreciate the support and presence of our partners on Launch day, including:
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Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH)
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Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities
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Uganda Tourism Board
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Uganda Wildlife Authority
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Bamboo Innovation Hub
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Kaynela Farms
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Rotary Club of Kanungu
Their collaboration is essential to achieving the goals of the Plant for Primates Initiative, and their participation at the launch reaffirmed their commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment.
Eco School Clubs
Mayooba Eco Foundation officially launched the *Eco School Clubs* at *Kamengo Primary School in Fort Portal* in December 2025. This exciting initiative is a direct extension of our *Plant for Primates initiative,* expanding its impact from communities around national parks to the young minds within nearby schools.
The Eco School Clubs are designed to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious learners who understand the value of conservation, sustainable living, and the role each of us plays in protecting Uganda’s biodiversity. Through hands on activities like tree planting, waste management, environmental education, and nature stewardship, learners will actively participate in safeguarding the ecosystems that surround their communities.
This program will be rolled out to schools located around protected areas , empowering learners to become champions for nature, climate action, and community-led conservation.
A big thank you to the teachers, learners, community members and all development partners who welcomed us with open hearts. Together, we are planting seeds of change, seeds that will grow into a greener, more sustainable future for our parks, communities, and country.
