But as Mr. Joseph Muruli, the association’s Tree Planting Coordinator, recalls, passion alone wasn’t enough to keep their dreams alive.

“We were only planting trees,” he says. “But trees take many years to mature, and before we could earn from them, we had already run out of money to support our other activities.”

Things began to change when the association partnered with the Kitara Civil Society Organisations’ Network (KCSON) under the Leading the Change (LTC 2) project, supported by WWF and Sida.

Recognizing their struggle, KCSON provided MCDA with training in sustainable forestry practices and introduced them to alternative income-generating activities. Among these was passion fruit growing, a high-value crop that promised quicker returns while complementing their conservation work.

“We received passion fruit seedlings and insecticides from KCSON,” Muruli explains. “We planted them in gardens owned collectively by members, and we were also taught how to make supporting nets for the vines.”

The first harvest exceeded everyone’s expectations. From his garden alone, Mr. Muruli harvested 12 bags of passion fruits, each fetching UGX 500,000 (about USD 140) on the market.

It was a turning point for the entire group. For the first time, the association had a steady source of income.

To ensure sustainability, the members agreed that 20% of each member’s sales would be deposited into the association’s savings account. This fund now supports members who need small loans to expand their gardens or invest in other ventures.

“One of our members has already roofed and finished his house using proceeds from passion fruits,” Muruli proudly shares. “Others are paying school fees for their children and improving their livelihoods.”

And with passion fruit prices now soaring to UGX 800,000 (about USD 220) per bag, the association’s future looks brighter than ever.

“We’ve never regretted venturing into passion fruits,” Muruli smiles. “They give us quick returns and even daily income. With this money, some of us have started maize farming too.”

The LTC 2 project didn’t just boost their income — it also built their confidence as environmental stewards. Through advocacy and lobbying training, the association’s members learned the importance of protecting natural resources beyond their own projects.

“We now understand the dangers of illegal activities like charcoal burning and timber cutting,” says Muruli. “Whenever we see such acts, we immediately report them to the National Forestry Authority (NFA).”

This newfound vigilance has made the group a trusted partner in conservation efforts around Mpanga Mountain.

What began as a small tree-planting group struggling to survive has blossomed into a vibrant, self-sustaining community organization — balancing conservation with income generation.

“Before LTC 2, we were struggling,” Muruli reflects. “But today, we have both financial stability and a stronger voice in protecting our environment. Passion fruit truly became our treasure.”