The Sawlog Production Grant Scheme, Phase III (SPGS III) supports downstream industrialization of processing and utilization of forest products sourced from forest plantations under sustainable forest management. The project facilitates discussions on the mode of implementation of downstream processing in Uganda, including financing models, appropriate sawmills, processing and utilization requirements, local and regional market studies, appropriate waste management and occupational health and safety

The project supports the preparation of studies to estimate wood resources available in Uganda and related appropriate technologies for wood harvesting and processing. The project facilitates training sessions in Forest harvesting and road planning, FSC Forest Management, Timber Grading, Forest inventory and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for timber. The new phase for downstream processing activities will (i) support the establishment of two timber-drying kilns by the private sector by January 2025 to improve on the quality of timber both in local and international markets, (2) support commercial tree growers in 4 country regions of Uganda (Western, South Western, Northern, & Eastern) to acquire four improved mobile wood processing machineries/saw mills for wood value addition by January 2025, and (iii) support three wood processing companies to acquire auxiliary processing machineries to improve on wood recovery rates to over 50% by January 2025.

FAO Uganda (UN/Multilateral body) Ministry of Water and Environment of Uganda (Government), European Union (UN /Multilateral body), National Forestry Authority of Uganda (Government), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Uganda (Government) Uganda Timber Growers’ Association (Private sector), Private sector partners (Private sector)