The Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has officially commenced a five-year initiative titled the Sustainable Natural Resources Management and Enhanced Refugee-Host Coexistence Project (SUNReC) in the West Nile subregion. The project, which began in January 2025, is set to promote sustainable land and forest management practices while fostering peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.
SUNReC aims to engage at least 1,000 households through agroforestry using a farmer-field school approach, support landscape restoration via natural regeneration, strengthen District Forestry Services, promote environmental conservation, and boost Shea tree conservation and value chains.
The project will cover all 12 districts in the West Nile, with five priority districts—Moyo, Pakwach, Yumbe, Terego, and Arua—identified through a baseline survey conducted from March 2 to 15, 2025.
To steer implementation, a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting was convened today at Fairway Hotel, Kampala, to review the pilot districts and outline strategic directives. The meeting was chaired by Mr. David Okurut, Director DEA, representing the Permanent Secretary, MWE. Other key attendees included:
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Madam Adata Margaret, Commissioner, FSSD
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Mr. Issa Katwesige, NPC / Assistant Commissioner, FSSD
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Mr. Bob Kazungu, Assistant Commissioner, Forestry Assessment & Monitoring
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Mr. Hideshi Yamashita, Senior Representative, JICA Uganda
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Mr. Yasuo Ohno, Chief Advisor, SUNReC
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Mr. Igulot Patrick, Project Manager, SUNReC
The JCC also included stakeholders from NFA, MoFPED, OPM, MAAIF, and JICA.
The official launch of SUNReC is slated for April 15, 2025, in Arua City, and will bring together stakeholders from District Local Governments, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the National Forestry Authority.
