Through the Mvule Project, Kibo group works with villages in Uganda to plant indigenous hardwood trees. 11 communities have completed successful projects. Over 25,000 trees have been planted to date, and we are currently working with 18 villages.

The Mvule Project in Jinja is one of these projects still in need of funding. The urban project is unique, as all other projects are in rural villages. Jinja is the second largest town in Uganda and the location of our Uganda office. The town boasts of the Source of the Nile River. We are partnering with the local government and churches.

We are working with these leaders to plant 400 Mvule tree seedlings along a new two-mile bypass built around Jinja in 2008. We conduct regular meetings with local leaders and monitor the progress of the trees.

After the trees survive their most crucial first year, we will give the community a $2,000 grant to begin a community-owned project. Other communities have started agri-business projects and dug water wells. We are excited to see what this urban community chooses and will give updates as we continue to meet with the local leaders!

You might be wondering how this project helps alleviate poverty or provides Ugandans with Opportunity. Well we've got some answers.

Ecologial : The Mvule tree was severely deforested since European settlement in the 1800s. Replanting these trees brings immense cultural and economic value back to the country. The trees also help replenish the soil and provides shade for crops.Plus, we educate the community on responsible harvesting techniques and conservation.

Economic : The agri-business programs catalyze economic growth and create a significant ROI that can be reinvested in other projects. One communitiy's $2,000 investment in a goat project has resulted in $10,000 over the course of 3 years. That kind of money can go a long way in Uganda!

Peace-Building : Think of the project as an extended team-building exercise that forces conflicting neighbors to interact and compromise. The project encourages peaceful cooperation among various faith groups and helps break through barriers of suspicion and fatalism.

Policy : Government participation through District Forestry Offices and the National Forestry Authority provides cooperation and influence at the policy level.