Pit Dok I Gwok Yen Pi Acoli
Restoring Forests. Restoring Hope. Restoring Acoli.
Why This Matters
Deforestation has not only devastated the environment but also worsened poverty, hunger, and climate vulnerability. Communities that once thrived on sustainable farming, woodlands, and grazing are now struggling to survive.
Northern Uganda is one of the poorest regions in the country, yet it holds some of the best conditions for farming and forestry. Once rich in natural cover, our lands are now stripped bare.
Annual Forest Cover Loss
Recent data from Global Forest Watch reveals that almost 97% of tree cover loss (132,000 hectares) between 2021–2024 occurred in natural forests, contributing to 63 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Northern districts like Nwoya have been severely impacted.
120,000 ha Lost Annually
According to the Uganda Forestry Authority, the country loses approximately 120,000 hectares of forest cover every year, a rate that, if unchecked, could devastate local ecosystems and communities dependent on forests.
Rapid Forest Loss Nationally
Uganda’s forest cover declined from 24% (4.9 million hectares) in 1990 to just 9% (1.83 million hectares) by 2018, meaning a loss of around 3 million hectares in just under three decades. Northern Uganda, including Acoli sub-region, is among the most affected areas
Deforestation is Stealing Northern Uganda’s Tomorrow
The Strategy: Greening Acoli (2024–2033)
The Pit ki Gwok Yen pi Acoli Strategy is a 10-year community-driven initiative under the Rocco Paco Movement. Our vision is simple yet bold:
Empower Acoli communities to restore forests and woodlands sustainably; creating livelihoods, fighting poverty, and healing our land.
Our goals:
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Mobilise communities to plant and care for trees every year across Acoli.
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Reverse decades of deforestation and restore green cover.
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Contribute to climate change mitigation while creating livelihoods
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Develop forestry-based products, value addition, and trade for inclusive growth.
Our Roots,
Our Responsibility
Traditionally, Acoli society lived in deep harmony with nature. Land was divided and cared for with clear values: settlement (gang), farmland (poto), grazing (olet), forest (bunga), hunting (tim-dwar), wetlands (dago), and sacred rock outcrops (godi). Each had rules, each had guardians.
Conflict shattered this balance. From 1996–2006, displacement and war left our environment unprotected. Forests were looted, charcoal trade exploded, and stewardship collapsed. The time has come to restore not just our trees, but our heritage of responsible guardianship.
Why Support This Mission?
This initiative is more than planting trees. It is:
Rebuilding livelihoods for families through sustainable forestry.
Restoring dignity by reviving Acoli’s values of stewardship.
Protecting our children’s future against climate disaster.
Aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Join Us and Grow the Future
Together, we can turn Acoliland green again. Every tree planted is a step toward resilience, dignity, and renewal.