Mugabirwe’s 10-year path to forestry excellence

Across Uganda, efforts to restore forests and improve livelihoods are gaining momentum through community-led initiatives.

For the past 10 years, Mugabirwe Novenci has quietly nurtured more than just seedlings in Kamwenge District; she has been growing opportunity, resilience, and hope. After completing her bachelor’s degree in forestry from Ndejje University, Mugabirwe began her journey in agriculture, growing crops such as matooke, vanilla, and cocoa.

Driven by her passion for nature and equipped with technical knowledge, she established the Brain Central Fruit and Tree Nursery in Kyabyooma Village, Kamwenge District, a decade ago. Further strengthening her expertise, Mugabirwe trained at Nyabyeya Forestry College, completing her studies in 2023.

Today, at 40 years old, she runs a thriving nursery on one and a half acres of land, producing a wide range of seedlings, including eucalyptus, musizi (myzopsis), cocoa, coffee, as well as fruit trees.

Her nursery operates with precision and care, sourcing high-quality seeds from the Namanve Seed Centre and overseeing every stage of production, from germination through potting and treatment, ensuring that each seedling meets high standards before reaching the market.

While she has traditionally sold to individual farmers and community members, her reach is now expanding. Through the IFPA-CD Woodlot Programme implemented by the Ministry of Water and Environment and funded by the World Bank and the Government of Uganda, with partners including ECOTRUST, NIRAS, Havilah International, and Green Life International, Mugabirwe was selected as one of the key suppliers of eucalyptus clones for farmers in Kamwenge and Kitagwenda districts.

Her journey is now part of a larger national effort to restore forests while transforming lives. This opportunity marked a major turning point for her business.

“I am happy that the ECOTRUST and NIRAS team treated my seedlings. Termites are a major challenge for farmers growing trees, especially eucalyptus, and this provides a strong solution. It gives me pride to know that when my seedlings are planted, they grow into healthy trees,” Mugabirwe shares.

Being selected among a few trusted nursery operators reflects her commitment to quality, reliability, and a strong work ethic. Under this programme, she supplies 250,000 eucalyptus seedlings, far beyond her usual sales of one to five seedlings per customer. This highlights the importance of conducting business ethically and professionally to attract larger opportunities.

“This is a huge opportunity. At Shs 500 per seedling, I expect a gross income of Shs 125 million. This will significantly boost my business. Working with partners like ECOTRUST, the World Bank, and the Government of Uganda also increases my visibility and credibility,” she adds.

Beyond business growth, Mugabirwe’s work reflects a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Her passion for nature has sustained her nursery for over a decade, ensuring that her seedlings are well cared for in a clean and healthy environment.

She has also conserved a nearby water body, transforming it into a fishpond rather than draining it – demonstrating practical and sustainable land use. Mugabirwe’s impact goes far beyond trees.

As a single mother of four, she is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and economic independence.

“Many women today are heads of families. They carry the responsibility of feeding their children, paying school fees, rent, and medical bills. Empowering women with skills helps them build sustainable businesses and even create jobs for others,” she explains.

Her nursery currently employs nine permanent workers – five women and four men, and has created additional temporary jobs during peak seasons, especially for loading and transporting seedlings.

One of her long-time employees, Mary Tumukunde, a 62-year-old caregiver to her three grandchildren, has worked with Mugabirwe for more than eight years.

“Even though I cannot do heavy work, I contribute through pruning and potting seedlings. It gives me satisfaction to be part of this work and to support my family, Mary says.

Mugabirwe highlights the power of inclusive, community-based conservation through strengthening local enterprises, promoting sustainable forestry, and creating economic opportunities. With support from various partners, her vision of fostering a greener and more resilient future in Uganda continues to expand.

As trucks set off from her nursery loaded with thousands of seedlings destined for woodlots across Kamwenge and Kitagwenda, Mugabirwe is not just sending out plants, she is growing a legacy. One rooted in opportunity, sustainability, and hope for generations to come.

najjukawhitney03@gmail.com

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