The National Forestry Authority (NFA) enforcement team has arrested three individuals involved in the illegal destruction and clearance of Mabira Forest in Buikwe District.
This action aligns with NFA’s mandate to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) across Uganda.
The arrested suspects include Joseph Ecima, a Forest Supervisor in the Namulaba Beat of Mabira CFR, along with two patrolmen, Mwebaze David (also known as Abdul) and Matsiko Winston.
Their arrests come in the wake of recent media reports implicating NFA officials in colluding with factory owners, industrial players, and prison officials to exploit the forest for timber, charcoal, and firewood.
Additionally, these reports revealed that portions of the Mabira Forest Reserve’s boundaries were being illegally leased out for crop cultivation, a practice strictly prohibited under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (NFTPA) of 2003.
Upon learning of these violations, Stuart Maniraguha, the Acting Executive Director of NFA, swiftly commissioned an investigative team, which led to the arrest of the suspects.
Confirming the development, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Francis Olugu, who serves as the Police Liaison Commandant at NFA, stated that the arrested individuals are facing charges of criminal neglect of duty, with further investigations ongoing under the NFTPA, the Penal Code Act, and Uganda’s Anti-Corruption laws.
Speaking about the arrests, Aldon Walukamba, NFA’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to protecting forest reserves and holding violators accountable.
“We are committed to protecting our forest reserves and ensuring that anyone who violates the law is held accountable. These arrests should serve as a warning to all individuals involved in illegal forest activities,” Walukamba emphasized.
He also called on citizens to actively participate in forest conservation by reporting illegal activities.
“We call on all concerned citizens to report illegal activities to the police, local authorities, or the NFA’s toll-free line at 0800264036. Together, we can prevent further destruction of our invaluable forests.”
In recent months, NFA’s enforcement efforts have intensified, leading to the arrest of 68 suspects inside Mabira Forest, with 40 individuals already arraigned in the Utilities Court.
Authorities have also impounded 29 vehicles transporting timber and charcoal, 100 motorcycles, 60 wood miser power saws used for illegal logging.
Furthermore, the NFA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, has moved to cancel illegal land titles within CFRs. So far, 112 land titles have been revoked, with another 700 illegal land titles identified for cancellation.
Covering 29,964 hectares, Mabira CFR is one of Uganda’s most significant ecological assets. It serves as a watershed for Lake Victoria, Lake Kyoga, and the Nile River system, supporting key rivers such as Musamya, Ssezibwa, and Waliga.
Beyond its role in climate regulation and air purification, Mabira Forest is a hub for eco-tourism, research, and education. Its proximity to urban and industrial areas makes it crucial for filtering industrial gases, benefiting both the environment and surrounding communities.
With ongoing Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) initiatives, NFA continues to work with local communities to enhance conservation efforts.
As the agency pushes forward with its mission to protect and restore Uganda’s forests, it remains committed to ensuring that those entrusted with managing natural resources act with integrity and in the best interest of sustainable forestry management.
