Commentary: Uganda Proves Readiness for Next Generation of Forest Finance

Loss has dominated conversations about tropical forests for many years. Declining tree cover, rising emissions, and the pressure on governments struggling to balance development with conservation have shaped the narrative. Uganda knows these challenges well. But the global discussion often omits how countries are responding and the progress being made.

Uganda’s forests currently cover an estimated 2.4-2.7 million hectares, equivalent to roughly 12-13% of the country’s land area, down from about 24% (approximately 4.9 million hectares) in 1990, with most of this long-term decline driven by agricultural expansion, charcoal production, and biomass extraction.