EMPAFORM- a regional program in East Africa implemented by CARE, BUCODO and ACODE in Uganda with an overall objective of "ensuring that Natural forests and woodlands in East Africa are sustainably managed and conserved with increased benefits to poor men, women and children in forest-dependent communities", facilitated the formation of 6 area based (Forest) networks and Uganda Network for Collaborative Forest Associations (UNETCOFA) in Uganda.
 
UNETCOFA was formed in September, 2006 for and by Community Based Organizations (CBOs) participating in Collaborative Forest Management. The formation was a strategy to 'join the dots' of various CBOs implementing, negotiating or intending to start CFM process to enhance joint learning, information sharing and form a critical mass for lobbying and advocating for policies in relation to Collaborative Forest Management that address issues of especially the forest-adjacent and forest- dependent communities, and on the environmental, economic and social benefits of sustainable forest management.