About Us

We are the Green Warriors, fighting for a sustainable future through community empowerment and reforestation.

Why Kijani?

The Green Warrior.

Since 2019, Kijani has rapidly evolved into one of Africa’s largest tree-planting organizations. But our mission goes beyond just numbers.

Historically, forestry in Uganda was viewed as a "rich person" activity, inaccessible to rural smallholder farmers due to high costs and lack of resources. We saw a broken system that excluded the very people who could benefit most.

"Kijani's innovative Nursery Hub model flips this on its head and takes the nurseries to the farmers in their communities."

By providing all inputs at no cost through a "sweat equity" model, we empower farmers to combat climate change while boosting their annual income by over 600%. Kijani means "Green" or "Warrior" in Swahili. We are the Green Warriors fighting for a sustainable future.

Kijani Farmer

Empowering Communities

One Tree at a Time

Our Methodology

Why It Works

Our success hinges on four core principles that ensure sustainability and impact. We don't just plant trees; we build systems that last.

We involve farmers directly in planting, maintenance, and harvesting. This hands-on involvement fosters a deep sense of responsibility and pride, ensuring they have a vested interest in the health of their land.

Our History

A Decade of Impact

2014

Co-Founders Beau Milliken, Paul Mukiibi, and Quinn Neely begin working together in Uganda, laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

2019

Kijani Forestry is officially founded with a mission to revolutionize tree planting through the Nursery Hub model.

2020

Rapid expansion of the network despite global challenges, proving the resilience of the farmer-led model.

Present Day

Planting millions of trees annually, empowering thousands of households, and leading the way in sustainable forestry.

Our Leadership

Driven by Purpose.

A dedicated team of experts committed to restoring Africa's forests and empowering communities.

Quinn Neely

Quinn Neely

Co-Founder & CEO

Quinn has a Masters degree in Social Innovation from Cambridge and has helped build multiple businesses in Northern Uganda.

Paul Mukiibi

Paul Mukiibi

Co-Founder & Chief Restoration Officer

Paul is the foremost expert on tree species within Northern Uganda. He brings his experience and expertise to all aspects of Kijani.

Beau Milliken

Beau Milliken

Co-Founder & Chief Carbon Officer

Beau has a background in chemical engineering and has been working in Uganda for over a decade.

Kevin Aderu

Kevin Aderu

Director of Operations

Kevin is one of Uganda’s leading forestry experts and previously managed the nation’s only seed bank.

Ashleigh Janssen

Ashleigh Janssen

Director of Finance

Ashleigh started her career as a consultant for EY and then transitioned into running finance for start-ups.

Michael Tebere

Michael Tebere

Director of Partnerships & Government

Michael has a Masters degree from the university of Oxford, and has decades of experience in both the government and NGO sectors.

Jon Trimarco

Jon Trimarco

Director of Expansion

Jon is an agroforestry expert specializing in enterprise development and regenerative agriculture for tropical communities since 2010.

Josina Keinomugisha

Josina Keinomugisha

In-House Counsel

Josina has a law degree from Gulu University. She provides legal and organizational support to all aspects of Kijani.

Fidelia Jill Namuli

Fidelia Jill Namuli

HR Manager

Jill is a certified HR with a background in both private and INGOs; and has experience working with various African countries.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join us in our mission to restore Africa's forests and eliminate farmer poverty. Whether you're an investor, partner, or supporter, there's a place for you.