The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has arrested three officials accused of facilitating illegal activities within Mabira Forest in Buikwe District.
The suspects, including a forest supervisor and two patrolmen, allegedly colluded with individuals involved in unlawful logging, charcoal burning, and unauthorised land use in the protected Central Forest Reserve (CFR).
The arrested individuals have been identified as Joseph Ecima, a Forest Supervisor in the Namulaba Beat of Mabira CFR, and two patrolmen, Mwebaze David (also known as Abdul) and Matsiko Winston.
Their arrest follows media reports exposing a network of illegal activities, implicating some NFA officials in leasing out forest land for cultivation and working with factories and prison officials to cut trees for timber and firewood.
In response to the revelations, Acting NFA Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha ordered an internal investigation, leading to the arrests.
The enforcement team, supported by law enforcement agencies, has intensified efforts to dismantle illegal logging networks operating in Uganda’s forest reserves.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Francis Olugu, the Police Liaison Commandant at NFA, confirmed that the suspects are facing charges of criminal neglect of duty. Additional investigations are exploring potential charges of corrupt neglect of duty under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (NFTPA), the Penal Code Act, and the Anti-Corruption Act.
NFA’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, Aldon Walukamba, reiterated the agency’s commitment to protecting Uganda’s forests and ensuring accountability.
“We are committed to safeguarding our forest reserves, and anyone violating the law will face justice. These arrests should serve as a warning to all involved in illegal forest activities,” Walukamba stated.
Recent months have seen heightened enforcement efforts by the NFA, leading to:
68 arrests within Mabira Forest, with 40 suspects arraigned in the Utilities Court.
Seizure of 29 vehicles transporting illegal timber and charcoal.
Impounding of 100 motorcycles and 60 wood miser power saws used in illegal logging.
Collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to revoke 112 illegal land titles in Central Forest Reserves, with an additional 700 titles under review for cancellation.
Spanning 29,964 hectares, Mabira Forest is one of Uganda’s most critical ecological assets. It serves as a vital watershed for Lake Victoria, Kyoga, and the Nile River system, supporting key rivers such as Musamya, Ssezibwa, and Waliga.
Its dense canopy helps regulate the climate, purify industrial emissions, and sustain biodiversity.
Beyond its environmental significance, Mabira is an economic hub—hosting eco-tourism, research, and community conservation initiatives. However, rising industrial activity and illegal encroachment continue to threaten its survival.
NFA has vowed to intensify enforcement and surveillance to curb deforestation and ensure the long-term preservation of Uganda’s forest reserves.