Forest product statistics involves the collection, processing, and analysis of data on the production, consumption and trade in all forest products such as industrial round wood, sawn timber, veneer, plywood, blockboard, pulp, paper, firewood and charcoal. In Uganda, the most important products produced and consumed are sawn timber, firewood, charcoal, poles and posts. Limited plywood is produced in the country.
Sawnwood is mainly used in the construction and furniture industries. With the apparent peace and tranquillity now restored in most parts of the country, there is currently a building boom experiencing an annual growth rate of 10-20 %. Wood is also completely dominant as energy source for the production of other building materials (lime, tiles, and bricks) as well as in other sectors such as, hotels, restaurants, tea and tobacco industries. These sectors are also experiencing high growth rates of consumption of firewood and charcoal (NBS, 1996). At household level, woodfuel (firewood and charcoal) which accounts for nearly 96% of the total energy demand remains as the most important source of energy for cooking and other household requirements. Altogether, it is estimated that biomass derived energy supplies thirty times as much energy (on a final energy or use demand basis) as petroleum and electricity combined. This trend is likely to continue in the near future (ESD report).
External trade in wood products is not much in Uganda. For example, there are no exports of any of the above products produced, while on imports, only pulp and paper products are imported.
