Uganda's vision for its bamboo sector and the role of trilateral cooperation. Presented by H. E. Flavia Munaaba Nabugere, Uganda's State Minister for the Environment at the event 'Harnessing Chinese Expertise to Support South-South and Trilateral Collaboration,' COP21, Paris.

1. Uganda’s Vision for Bamboo sector
and Role of trilateral cooperation
Background
Uganda Vision 2040 framework provides plans
and strategies to transform Ugandan society, “…
from a peasant to a modern and prosperous country
within 30 years”.
Non-wood forest products including bamboo
have provided important livelihood safety nets for
the poor for many generations.

2. Uses of bamboo
 Bamboo is used for;
 Food & income to communities.
Landscape restoration.
Biodiversity protection.
 Construction -building poles.
Making weaves and crafts.
Source of energy-cooking
Fencing &protection of water sources.
Young bamboo
plantation in
Namanve CFR
Bamboo used for
spring protection in
Westnile

3. Situational analysis
Research carried out by NAFORRI indicates that
bamboo is found in protected areas of Echuya,
Mgahinga, Bwindi and Mt. Rwenzori NP &Mt. Elgon
NP.
 There are also other small pockets of bamboo
vegetation scattered in various parts of
Uganda(private land).
Few products have been made and demonstrated
by Uganda Industrial research Institute(UIRI).

4. Policy and legislation
Existing policies and laws derive their mandate from
the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995.
They include the National Environment Act, Cap 153
(1995),
National Forestry Policy (2002).
National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003),
Land Act (2001).
 Local Government Act (1997).
National Environment Policy (1995).
National Wetlands Policy (1994).
Uganda Wildlife Policy (2003).
Policies and laws are reflected in the National Forest Plan
(2012 ).

5. Key issues on bamboo resources
Lack of a data base on extent and amount of bamboo
resources.
 Lack of data on current consumption and future trends.
 limited or no trials on raising bamboo from seed&
vegetative methods.
Bamboo faces threats of colonizing forests and fires.
Bamboo utilization and processing has been
neglected(value addition, marketing and utilization).
Limited planting of bamboo.
Land use change:(heavy encroachment and conversion
to farm lands).

6. Developments in bamboo sector
Bamboo project proposal developed-focusing on
promotion, development & sustainable utilization.
Training Ugandans in bamboo silviculture by INBAR.
Raising of bamboo seedlings in nurseries:
NFA nurseries of Kabale& NTSC,Namanve
Private nurseries in Wakiso,Nakaseke & Lira.
Propagation and establishment by Individuals-
Minister for Environment.

7. Devts contd
Stakeholder involvement in integrating
bamboo for landscape restoration & climate
change in their programs.
Adoption of bamboo for energy production.
Propagation and establishment by NFA-45ha.
Research in propagation(trials)&value
addition by NaFORRI & MUK.
Awareness created by lead institutions and
Government.

8. Conclusion
This forum will strengthen
cooperation between sister
countries in bamboo development,
value addition& sustainable
utilization as we address issues of
climate change and protection of
fragile ecosystems.

9. THANK YOU