Since November 2022, METGE, in partnership with ITF, Admiral ,and EKCT, has restored over 150 hectares of degraded forest within the Elgon National Park. The impact of the restoration has been featured in The Daily Monitor News paper. 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲: lnkd.in/d7msYNbU @sizeofwales.bsky.social

For farmers with limited land,choosing the right tree species is critical. One tree that has proven its value across the Mount Elgon region is Grevillea(Grevillea robusta). Grevillea has become a preferred choice for farmers seeking to improve their livelihoods while protecting the environment.

To celebrate 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲, today,we joined the 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬 , students of 𝐍𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 and 𝐍𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 under the theme“𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞,” to call on everyone to take meaningful climate action and protect our planet for future generations. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

In November 2022, we planted our very first tree in the degraded strip of Mount Elgon National Park. Since then, we have successfully restored more than 150 hectares of degraded forest landscape across Masira and Bumugibole sub-counties within the park . @sizeofwales.bsky.social

With support from the International Tree Foundation (ITF), we have restored 70 hectares of degraded land within Mount Elgon National Park in Masira and Bumugibole sub-counties in Bulambuli District.

For many women, access to loans once seemed impossible. Today, through Village Savings and Loan Associations strengthened by METGE and partners, women can support their families and secure a brighter future. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

My name is Tai Betty, a mother of six from Adidiga Village in Bukedea District. As a woman and farmer, I had the vision to plant trees, but financial limitations held me back for years. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

We carried out a joint monitoring exercise with our implementing partners, Bungokho Rural Development Center (BRDC) and Mount Elgon Agroforestry Communities Cooperative Enterprise(MEACCE) in Mbale, Sironko, and Bulambuli tree nurseries, to track progress and strengthen the impact of tree-planting

This water project in Bumaeana, Mbale District, is part of the tree growing programme supported by the Welsh Government through @sizeofwales.bsky.social. It not only supports the Bumaeana Community tree nursery site but also serves the surrounding community.

Mr. Waludde Mutwalibi, a farmer from Bumuyaga,Bufumbo in Mbale District, through METGE’s Bee keeping training programs, he has acquired valuable skills in beehive construction and has since become one of our trusted service providers. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

We conducted an engaging and hands-on beekeeping training for our staff including those from the implementing partners, Bungokho Rural Development Center(BRDC) and Mount Elgon Agroforestry communities’ cooperative Enterprise (MEACCE). @sizeofwales.bsky.social

Through Admiral Life’s support and partnership , we have made significant strides in restoring degraded landscapes inside Mount Elgon National Park in Bulambuli District . 2025 Admiral Sustainability Report: lnkd.in/es8v3Gzz @sizeofwales.bsky.social

Grevillea Robusta, known for its fast growth, deep roots, and compatibility with crops, its s a farmer-friendly tree that supports both livelihoods and the environment. It improves soil fertility, provides shade for crops,Its a perfect fit for agroforestry systems promoted by METGE.

With the rains arriving, our tree nursery sites across the five districts of Bulambuli, Sironko, Mbale, Manafwa, and Bukedea are ready to distribute free seedlings to farmers and institutions .The nurseries are thriving as young seedlings continue to grow under careful nurturing.

“When the savings group began, I noticed how low the interest rates were. With a seed fund provided through METGE, I borrowed capital, expanded my shop, and improved my household’s stability. I can now better support my children, and conflicts at home have reduced.”Mary Namome

“In the past, women were not permitted to join savings groups because they were expected to stay at home. But now, because of the training, many of them take active roles in these groups. For example, my wife is the treasurer of her group-Sam Wasike. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

We held a community engagement meeting in Bukiende Sub-county, Mbale District to celebrate the election of Hon. Deborah Nabulobi as Sub-county Councilor representing Bumaena Parish. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

With support from Admiral Group Plc, we supported four community groups in Kinyofu and Gabugoto parishes in Masira Subcounty with beehives as part of a livelihood-centered conservation approach. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

We conducted a joint monitoring exercise with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Bulambuli Local Government, Masira Sub-county officials, and community groups to fast-track tree planting activities inside Mount Elgon National Park in Masira Sub-county. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

Deborah Nabulobi has been elected as the Sub-county Councilor representing Bumaena Parish in Bukiende Sub-county in the Uganda 2026 general electionds. Her rise to leadership is a direct outcome of the Gender and Climate Justice Programme, supported by @sizeofwales.bsky.social

Obbo Jackson, a farmer from Bukedea District, is one of the many beneficiaries of the extension services and free tree seedlings provided by Mount Elgon Tree Growing Enterprise (METGE) at Kanyanga tree nursery site. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

Bukedea Technical Institute is among the beneficiaries of the Kocheka Community Tree Nursery Site in Bukedea District. Through access to free tree seedlings, the school has transformed its compound into a green and healthy learning environment. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

Meet Alice Wabule — an aspiring District Councillor for Butta Sub-county, Manafwa District, Chairperson of Fuluma Yetaana Savings & Credit Association, and a beneficiary of the Advancing Gender Equality for Climate Change Resilience Project, supported by @sizeofwales.bsky.social

We planted 600 bamboo suckers along River Namatala, Mbale City with communities to restore degraded riverbanks and reduce flood risks. Bamboo stabilizes soil, controls erosion, improves water quality& supports livelihoods. 20km+ of rivers rehabilitated in Mbale & Sironko. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

Pawpaw trees are now bearing fruit! Nutritious and healthy, they are being harvested by farmers, improving household nutrition, generating income, and strengthening livelihoods in Kocheka Sub-county, Bukedea District. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

We conducted a joint project monitoring exercise with the Mbale District Local Government, aimed at accelerating project impact and enhancing coordination. The exercise focused on assessing progress and sharing the impact being experienced by beneficiaries. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

For many years, Odeke Erone Franciss says, accessing quality tree seedlings was a major challenge. Despite his desire to restore his land and plant trees, the high cost of seedlings and long distances to established nurseries made tree growing almost impossible. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

Meet Oliver Nafuna from Nemba Trading Centre in Bulegeni Subcounty,Bulambuli District—one of the many inspiring women transforming their landscapes through tree planting. After picking free tree seedlings like Acrocarpus, Terminalia, Musizi, and Indian Mahogany seedlings from Samazi Nursery.

METGE, together with the Bungokho Rural Development Center and the Mount Elgon Agroforestry Communities Cooperative Enterprise, has completed a hands-on training on plant tea—an organic, low-cost bio-fertilizer made from locally available plant materials. @sizeofwales.bsky.social

With support from Admiral, farmers from four community groups in Kinyofu, Masira , Bulambuli District have received hands-on training in Sustainable Land Management (SLM) to address the growing challenges of land degradation, and declining agricultural productivity @sizeofwales.bsky.social