Declining tree cover leaves Agago villages exposed to destructive winds

31 December 2025, 2:11 PM

By Freeman Canogura

Local leaders in Agago District are raising concern over increasing destruction caused by strong winds, which they attribute to widespread loss of tree cover across the district. On December 10, 2025, a family in Pakor village, Parabongo Sub-county, was left counting losses after strong winds blew down their huts and swept away household property. The same winds blew off roofs, uprooted trees and flattened crop gardens across the sub-county. Community members say such winds are becoming stronger and more frequent than in previous years.

Residents link the situation to continued tree cutting. Mzee Encio Okech, an elder from Pakor in Parabongo Sub-county, explains that many households cut trees due to poverty and lack of alternative energy sources. He says tree planting is rarely prioritized after trees are harvested and warns that without a change in mindset, communities will continue to suffer the consequences.

Farmers say the destruction is directly affecting food security. Odong Charles, a farmer from Lapono Sub-county, explains that his maize and cassava gardens were destroyed after strong winds uprooted young crops, leaving him uncertain about household food supply. He calls on district leaders to urgently address the problem so that farmers are not constantly exposed to losses.

Agago District hosts three Central Forest Reserves under the National Forestry Authority, including Napono in Lapono Sub-county, Parabongo Central Forest Reserve in Kalongo Town Council, and Ogile Central Forest Reserve. However, district officials say unclear boundaries have led to severe encroachment, a problem that dates back to when the reserves were first surveyed in the 1940s.

The District Forest Officer, John Okidi, explains that large-scale tree cutting for charcoal burning, firewood and construction has removed natural windbreaks that once protected villages. He says trees reduce wind speed, and without them, homes, gardens and public infrastructure are left exposed. Okidi adds that encroachment is driven both by ignorance about the importance of forest reserves and by deliberate violations by individuals who bypass legal procedures.

District officials are now urging communities to plant trees around homesteads, schools and roads, while calling for stronger enforcement of by-laws that regulate tree cutting and promote reforestation across Agago District.