Following the visible successes of recent years, we have continued our tree-planting partnership with ISCOT in the Madi Opei region of northern Uganda this year as well.
Having already distributed more than 120,000 seedlings to village communities, farmers and schools in the region over the past few years, this year we have distributed a further 20,000 young trees to enthusiastic farmers and farming communities. You can find our appeal for donations here (german).
Our MttW-member Josh, together with travel photographer Hartmut ‘Hardy’ Fiebig, were on site in April 2026 and were able to accompany and document some of the planting activities. They also took the opportunity to visit planting sites from previous years and collect further GPS data and up-to-date photographs. Thanks to Hardy’s tireless work behind the camera, we have lots of great pictures, and we’d like to let these speak for themselves here:
Summary of Magic to Uganda in 2026:
- A further 20,000 seedling distributed to farmers and village communities
- Planting period: April–July 2026
- Total investment in tree-planting activities: 11.293,07 € (0,57€/seedling) for seedlings and distribution
- Total investment in monitoring: 3.274,03 € for OFP monitoring (including 2025), documentation and tracking of new plantings, photographic documentation of the project by Hardy
- Total investment in cultural activities: 780,54 € for musical instruments and costumes (3 groups)
- Collaboration with ISCOT & local leadership provided by Jimmy, Joel and the Village Champions
- MttW team Josh and Hardy on site in April and May
- Further cultivation of the seedlings by the village communities, awareness-raising and training provided by ISCOT, volunteers and the MttW team
As in previous years, the distribution of the 20,000 seedlings was organised by ISCOT and supported by the Village Champions. These are dedicated members from villages across the region who raise awareness of the project, communicate the requirements and act as the first point of contact. The seedlings were loaded at Joel’s nursery in Kitgum and transported directly to the selected farmers and their fields. In order to receive seedlings from our project, farmers were required to have their gardens fully prepared – that is, to have cleared them of weeds, ploughed them and dug a hole every 3 metres.
For the first time, around 5,000 seedlings were sourced from the nursery directly in Madi Opei, as the water tank funded by Magic to the World in 2024 is now fully operational, thus providing the basis for successful cultivation:
Thanks to our long-term commitment to the region north of Kitgum, our collaboration with our partner Joel, and our aim to make seedling production even more locally based, we have now succeeded in creating three permanent jobs at the nursery. In the video linked here, you can take another look at the construction work carried out in January 2024. We owe this success story to our long-standing donors and the ongoing contributions of our association members – thank you very much!
As well as distributing seedlings, the MttW team also used the donations received during their visit to fund costumes and instruments for Acholi dance groups. To prevent Acholi culture from being forgotten, dance groups have been set up to revive the ancient dances and traditions. Thanks to your donations, we were able to provide three dance groups with instruments and costumes.
The social benefits include a sense of community, cooperation and a shared project. The dances bring the groups together and encourage interaction within the community. Thanks to their new, professional image, the dance groups can make even more of their hobby. With their costumes and instruments, they are well equipped to perform at weddings, celebrations and festivals. As well as providing a small income and the opportunity to travel within their own country, the project also helps to preserve and promote Acholi culture. Last year, we put together a video featuring the various dances. We are showcasing the colourful images from this year’s handover ceremonies and the dance groups in their new costumes in this gallery:
Finally, with the help of Hardy’s photographic skills, we would like to shine a spotlight on the people who plant our seedlings and nurture them into trees to make their home more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Through agroforestry, trees and crops can grow and livestock can graze on the same land. In the long term, this improves soil fertility, stabilises harvests during periods of drought and opens up additional sources of income. The newly planted trees are therefore much more than ‘just’ a reforestation scheme: families are investing in healthy landscapes, a secure livelihood and, consequently, a more sustainable future for their children and grandchildren!
Each of us can contribute to the well-being of humanity. Uganda is one of the countries with the youngest average age in the world, and over 80% of the population works in agriculture. Stopping the advancing desertification in the north of the country is not only in the interest of nature, but also has a direct impact on the warm-hearted local people. With our commitment, we can not only protect the microclimate and contribute to the fight against global warming, but also give the Acholi a gift:
hope for the future. Let’s keep trying to make the world a little better.
Step by step.
Project by Project.
Here’s how you can support our tree planting project and the Acholi culture in Uganda:
- By bank transfer to our donation account (GLS Bank, no fees):
| Recipient: | Magic to the World e.V. |
| IBAN: | DE65 4306 0967 1309 7243 00 |
| BIC: | GENODEM1GLS |
- Via Paypal to Magic to the World e.V. (ca. 2% fees)
For all donations, you can receive a donation receipt/donation certificate afterwards or at the end of the year, which you can claim as a tax deduction in accordance with Section 50 Paragraph 1 of the Income Tax Ordinance (EStDV)!
Thank you!