4  Eucalyptus in Uganda - Patience Turyareeba
Channel: ISTF-Global
Date: 2022-08-09

4. Eucalyptus: A Non-native species grown in Uganda
Patience Jennifer Turyareeba, Retired Forester/Tree Farmer, Uganda

Eucalyptus is a non-native tree species grown in Uganda. It has been grown since at least 1912, so most Ugandans believe it is indigenous. It was originally planted for the provision of firewood in urban areas. A number of forest reserves close to urban areas were planted with eucalyptus, such as Namanve Central Forest Reserve (CFR) close to Kampala City. Communities that were experiencing fuel wood shortages were encouraged to grow Eucalyptus. As the construction industry grew Eucalyptus became an important source of building poles, fencing posts, transmission posts and timber. It has been established that Eucalyptus trees above 18 years provide good timber for furniture making.
Eucalyptus is used for forest restoration, but other species are also used. There has been controversy about the planting of Eucalyptus with allegations of soil degradation. The choice of species for forest restoration depends on the final product a tree farmer is interested in.