Across Uganda, forests that once felt endless are shrinking under the pressure of illegal logging, charcoal burning, and land grabs. For communities in Western Uganda in Kyenjojo, Ibanda, and Bushenyi, the issue isn’t an abstract crisis; it is about the water bodies that are drying up, the rains that no longer come on time, and the loss of forest cover.
In response, community members are stepping forward as forest monitors, turning their local knowledge into a powerful line of defense. With support from Solidarity Uganda and Forests of the World, these monitors are using the Global Forest Watch (GFW) mobile application to track forest loss in real time, report illegal activities, and mobilize their communities to act.
Twenty community forest monitors and chapter members gathered in Ibanda Town, western Uganda, for a powerful 3-day documentation and data-collection retreat organized by Solidarity Uganda, with support from Forests of the World
The retreat brought together activists and Community Forest Monitors who are protecting three vital forests – Matiri in Kyenjojo, Kasyoha-Kitomi in Ibanda, and Karinzu (Kyamuhunga) in Bushenyi using the new Global Forest Watch (GFW) mobile application.
During the retreat, participants shared real stories from the grassroots about how they use the GFW app to report illegal logging in real time, how they have stopped charcoal burners and timber dealers, and how they are educating communities about the importance of forests for rain, clean water, and climate resilience.
Participants also spoke openly about the challenges they face, including threats from powerful loggers, a lack of transport to patrol distant areas, and, at times, a slow response from authorities. They also celebrated successes, including forests beginning to recover and new trees
planted by communities themselves.
“Before this app, we would walk for hours and find trees already cut. Now we get alerts on our phones and reach the spot quickly,” Participant.
“When we report, we feel our voice is heard. The forest is our life, it gives us medicine, fruits, and protects our farms from drought,” a community member said during the forest walk.
Through group discussions, the retreat collected valuable lessons and recommendations that will inform the next phase of the project. Participants strengthened their networks, committed to training others in their communities, and began planning new campaigns for forest conservation and climate justice.
The message from the retreat was clear: when local people lead the fight to protect forests, real and lasting change becomes possible. These fearless community forest monitors, armed with technology and backed by organized community power, are turning the tide against deforestation in Ibanda, Bushenyi, and Kyejonjo. This community of mothers, fathers, and young people refuse to watch their forests disappear in silence. Their courage, their voices, and their solidarity are becoming a real force against deforestation.
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