dfcu Bank is strengthening its commitment to climate resilience and sustainable economic development through an ambitious plan to grow more than 500,000 trees by 2029, positioning environmental conservation as a key pillar of inclusive growth and agribusiness transformation.
The initiative, spearheaded by the bank’s impact investment arm, dfcu Foundation, was highlighted during World Environment Day celebrations in Mukono, where the institution partnered with the Uganda Timber Growers Association (UTGA) to conduct a tree-planting exercise and train farmers in sustainable forestry and financial management.
The programme forms part of dfcu Foundation’s Tree Planting and Promotion Programme (T3P), which seeks to integrate environmental stewardship with enterprise development by encouraging commercially viable tree growing rather than one-off planting campaigns.
The Foundation has already planted and distributed more than 62,000 trees in 2025 and used this year’s World Environment Day activities to add over 80 more while reinforcing the importance of nurturing trees to maturity for long-term environmental and economic returns.
The strategy is designed to address multiple challenges simultaneously, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration, deforestation and declining rural incomes, while creating new revenue streams for farming communities.
The partnership with UTGA combines dfcu Foundation’s financial inclusion expertise with technical forestry knowledge, equipping growers with both business management skills and sustainable forestry practices. Farmers participating in the programme received training in budgeting, record keeping, savings, access to credit and enterprise management, alongside practical guidance on improving woodlot productivity.
Dr. James Ssemwanga, Chairperson of both the UTGA and dfcu Foundation Boards, said Uganda has significant potential to create long-term wealth through responsible timber production while protecting the environment.
“We have the potential to create wealth and sustain it through the timber business while protecting the environment. We must grow and nurture trees that hold long-term value,” he said.
dfcu Foundation Business Advisor Central Sharon Kalanzi noted that stronger financial management is essential for improving profitability, sustainability and access to financing for forestry enterprises.
The World Environment Day event also marked the conclusion of UTGA’s regional cluster meetings across Uganda, reinforcing dfcu Bank’s broader strategy of financing climate-smart enterprises and supporting resilient, sustainable livelihoods across the country.