NFA prepares to reopen forest reserve boundaries in greater Kibaale

17 July 2024, 7:13 pm

By James Muhumuza

Forests provide us with oxygen, shelter, jobs, water, nourishment and fuel. With so many people dependent on forests, the fate of our forests may determine our own fate as well.

The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has begun preparations to reopen boundaries on seven forest reserves in greater Kibaale, ahead of the forthcoming exercise.

Boaz Basingirenda, NFA Range Manager for Budongo Forest Systems, made the announcement during an interview with our reporter, following a stakeholders’ meeting with district officials in Kagadi.

The affected forest reserves include Kasato and Kyamurangi in Kagadi district, Nyakarongo, Muhunga, and Narukara in Kibaale district, and Kihaimira and Nakuhazo in Kakumiro district.

Basingirenda emphasized that the boundary reopening exercise aims to restore depleted forest cover and prevent further encroachment.

The exercise, which starts today, will engage local leaders and residents neighboring the forests.

Basingirenda urged the public and local leaders to cooperate with the NFA to ensure the success of the soon coming exercise, which is part of a nationwide effort to restore forest cover and prevent encroachment.

Meanwhile, NFA today held a community sensitization meeting with residents and local leaders of Mangoma village in Kinyarugonjo subcounty to raise awareness on forestry restoration and sustainable forest management.

Alex Ebonyo the Kisindi Sector Manager, announced that NFA will impose heavy fines of up to 1 million shillings on individuals engaging in illegal activities in Bugoma forest.

Ebonyo warned the public, particularly those impersonating to be NFA officials for personal gain that their actions contribute to forest degradation.

He highlighted that NFA, with support from the World Bank, is implementing a project to invest in forests and protected areas for climate-smart development.

Godfrey Kabyemera, LC III Chairperson of Kinyarugonjo subcounty, claimed that high-ranking officers have supported encroachment, enabling individuals to extract resources from the forest.

However, during an interview with our reporter, residents accused NFA officials of corruption.

They alleged that they have colluded with encroachers and allowed them to harvest timber and charcoal from the neighboring Bugoma Forest.