Ugandan forester Davis Ssemanda on invasive species, innovation, and the power of youth

When Davis Ssemanda began his undergraduate degree in forestry in Uganda, he was already deeply interested in the natural environment. But it wasn’t until his thesis research that he began to fully grasp the scale and complexity of the challenges facing Uganda’s forests.

Some threats, such as deforestation and illegal logging, are well known. Others, like invasive species, receive far less attention - despite their potential to cause long-term ecological damage. It was during his fieldwork that Davis encountered one such threat firsthand: the invasive paper mulberry tree.

“The paper mulberry was causing many native trees to die before they reached maturity,” Davis recalls. “It disrupted the forest’s structure and function in ways I hadn’t anticipated.” What surprised him even more was the lack of comprehensive research on the issue. “I was surprised by how little research had been done on the causes and ecological effects of these changes,” he said. “I set out not only to pursue research for practical solutions, but also to help raise awareness that can influence policy and drive more effective forest protection efforts.”

That sense of urgency—and a commitment to evidence-based action—has defined his work ever since.

The data gap in forest protection

Davis believes that one of the biggest barriers to addressing these threats like invasive species is a lack of accurate, timely data, and the counter this, the application of emerging technologies like GIS and remote sensing holds significant promise. Though these tools have seen considerable success in temperate regions, where distinct seasonal changes make forest dynamics easier to observe, their use in tropical contexts is still evolving. Davis sees this as an opportunity.

“I aim to build on my experience and further develop expertise in modern tools such as GIS and remote sensing to improve forest monitoring and management,” he said. “This new technology can help detect changes early, track threats, and support more informed decisions, both at the policy level and within local communities.”

Davis will be diving deeper into this field when he begins his Master’s degree in Forestry at Beijing Forestry University (BFU), an opportunity he secured after winning the FAO’s Youth Action in Forest Health competition. BFU offered this scholarship as part of FAO and BFU’s official collaboration on forest health.

“Participating in and winning the Youth Action in Forest Health competition gave me the competitive edge I needed, which played a key role in helping me secure a scholarship for further studies,” he said. “It reinforced how small, everyday efforts contribute to long-term transformation, even when we don’t notice it immediately. It was a great learning experience and offered a solid foundation.”

Advice to the next generation

As he prepares to study in China, Davis is enthusiastic about the role international collaboration can play in improving global forest health. “By engaging with experts from different contexts, we can co-create solutions tailored to diverse ecological and socio-economic realities,” he said. “I intend to be at the forefront of this global dialogue and bring new insights back to support forest health efforts at home and across Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The next generation of forest stewards, including young people like Davis, has a critical role to play in the future of forest health. His advice for other young people looking to make an impact is both practical and inspiring.

“I realise that one of the fastest ways for us as young people to be part of the solution is by actually writing and publishing more under the guidance of senior colleagues,” he said. “I am keen to use the experience learning from experts abroad to enhance sustainable forest management in my home country.”

He also encourages emerging professionals to stay open to broader learning experiences. “Follow your passion and be intentional about your career path. The forestry sector offers many avenues, but what matters most is staying committed.”

With his strong focus on data, innovation, and collaboration, it is clear that Davis Ssemanda is forging a path toward more resilient and sustainable forests, both in Uganda and beyond.