The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has taken decisive action against the destruction of Mabira Forest in Buikwe District, arresting three key individuals involved in the illegal clearance and destruction of the forest. The arrested suspects include Joseph Ecima, a Forest Supervisor, and two patrolmen, Mwebaze David and Matsiko Winston.
The arrests come on the heels of recent media reports implicating NFA officials in colluding with factory owners and industrial players to cut trees for timber, charcoal, and firewood. The reports also revealed that parts of Mabira Forest Reserve’s boundaries were being illegally hired out for crop cultivation, practices strictly prohibited under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (NFTPA) of 2003.
Acting Executive Director of the NFA, Stuart Maniraguha, swiftly constituted an investigative team, leading to the apprehension of the culprits. The suspects face charges of criminal neglect of duty, with additional charges of corrupt neglect of duty being investigated under the NFTPA, Penal Code Act, and Anti-Corruption Acts of Uganda.
“We are committed to protecting our forest reserves and ensuring that anyone who violates the law is held accountable,” said Aldon Walukamba, NFA’s Communications and Public Relations Manager. “These arrests should serve as a warning to all individuals involved in illegal forest activities.”
The NFA has intensified its enforcement efforts in recent months, arresting 68 suspects inside Mabira Forest, with 40 individuals already arraigned in the Utilities Court. Additionally, 29 vehicles carrying timber and charcoal, 100 motorcycles, and 60 wood miser power saws have been impounded.
The NFA is also collaborating with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to cancel illegal land titles within Central Forest Reserves (CFRs), including 112 titles recently revoked. Another 700 illegal land titles within CFRs have been identified for cancellation.
Mabira Forest, covering 29,964 hectares, is a crucial ecological asset, serving as a watershed for the Lake Victoria, Kyoga, and Nile River system. The forest supports rivers such as Musamya, Ssezibwa, and Waliga, playing a significant role in regulating the region’s climate and air quality.
The forest is also a hub for eco-tourism, research, and education, with ongoing Collaborative Forest Management initiatives involving local communities. The NFA has been working closely with local stakeholders to promote sustainable forest management and protect the forest’s biodiversity.
As the NFA continues its mission of protecting and restoring Uganda’s forests, the authority remains committed to ensuring that those entrusted with the management of natural resources act with integrity and in the best interest of sustainable forest management.
“We call on all concerned citizens to report illegal activities to the police, local authorities, or the NFA’s toll-free line at 0800264036,” said Walukamba. “Together, we can prevent further destruction of our invaluable forests.”
