NFA condemns arson as wildfire ravages 70 hectares in Kangombe forest reserve

4 March 2025, 7:52 am

By James Muhumuza

In Uganda, any person who commits arson (burning another’s property) commits an offense and, if convicted, can be sentenced to life imprisonment.

If a person, however, merely attempts to commit arson but does not succeed, they can be sentenced to fourteen years in prison.

The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has strongly condemned the deliberate setting of fires near Kangombe Forest Reserve, which has led to the destruction of vast sections of forested land.

Kangombe Central Forest Reserve, spanning 301 square kilometers (74,000 acres) across the districts of Kagadi, Kibaale, Kakumiro, and Mubende in Western Uganda, was designated as a protected area in 1932 and is managed by the NFA.

Speaking to KKCR FM yesterday, Richard Sentuuro, the Forest Supervisor for the Kangombe Beat, expressed disappointment over the incident, revealing that 70 hectares of indigenous trees, valued at over 70 million shillings, were lost.

The destroyed trees had been planted with support from the World Bank and development partners such as WWF, Toro Botanical Gardens, and MTN.

Sentuuro also outlined NFA’s plans to restore the affected areas in the upcoming planting season.

The fire damaged large portions of land in Kabaale, Kyaterekera, Kararike, Nyabigata, and Nyamarembo, among other locations within the reserve.

In response, the NFA has vowed to take legal action against individuals found guilty of arson and has intensified investigations to bring those responsible to justice.

Meanwhile, Richard Kyalisima, the Sector Manager, revealed that with continued support from the World Bank, NFA plans to reforest 200 hectares in Kangombe while maintaining 1,376 hectares previously restored with WWF funding.

An additional 120 hectares will be planted in the upcoming season to further aid in forest recovery.