Tumwesigye N. Patience from Uganda

 (interview from 2026)

Thomas Scheufler

Naamara Patience from Uganda is the founder of the Good Forests Foundation Uganda, where she promotes forest restoration and agroforestry, as well as community projects aimed at securing sustainable livelihoods and protecting the climate.

A brief statement about your studies at TU Dresden:

„Dresden is my home in Europe and I still visit every year. I have great friends in Dresden who are like a second family. With the qualifications obtained from TUD, I secured a job that opened many doors for my professional development. My current position allows me to influence policy decisions that benefit the communities where we work.“

Why did you decide to study at TU Dresden?

Dresden chose me, I would say. I was attending the CIPSEM program in 2012 and my final paper was about collaborative forest management. I was assigned Prof. Jurgen Pretzsch as supervisor and he told me about the Masters program in Tropical Forestry. I had already spent 6 months in Dresden and it was an easy choice for me because I fell in love with Dresden.

 What factors drove you to choose your field of study?

I have always been inclined towards nature, given my pastoralist community background. I studied Environmental Management for my bachelors degree but my true love has always been forestry. Gaining more knowledge about forestry so that I can be able to authoritatively influence policy also influenced my decision for this field.

Who from research and teaching influenced you the most during your studies?

© archive Naamara

Prof. Andreas Roloff - his unselfish sharing of knowledge influenced my newfound love for urban forestry.

Prof. Andreas Bitter - he influenced the way I lead - through his blend of strictness and patience.

Dr. Ulrich Pietzarka - he influenced my commitment to people under my charge.

Where are you employed today, and what are your responsibilities?
Until December 2025, I was Country Director for Fairventures Worldwide FVW gGmbH. I am currently the Founder of Good Forests Foundation, Uganda.

What advice would you give to today's first-year students?

Make great use of your time at the TUD. They have a great and dedicated faculty and some of the best brains in forestry. Such chances don't come too often, do not waste the opportunity.

What do you remember most fondly from your student days?

I loved the excursions to the field. They exposed me to new experiences in the field of forestry and general natural resource management from a global perspective.

Where was your favorite place at university?

The SLUB.

What do you still benefit from today/would you have liked more? 

The school recommended me to Fairventures Worldwide and this was a great turning point for my career. I would wish for TUD to make more effort in keeping in touch with the alumni especially in the months after completion of studies. 

 How do you manage a good career start in your industry?

Have a plan before completion of studies. This helps to guide the action plan for whichever path one chooses- whether to find a job or create one.

What connects you with TU Dresden today?

I am still in touch with some of the faculty and students. I also made lifetime friends with my landlord’s family in Tharandt and we visit each other regularly. I come to Dresden almost every year and make it a point to visit the SLUB.

Contact:
Tumwesigye Naamara Patience

E-Mail: 

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