National Forestry Authority Scrapped Amid Accusations of Negligence
This decision came after the passing of the National Forestry and Tree Planting (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at integrating NFA’s functions into the Ministry of Water and Environment.
In a decisive move, Parliament has approved the abolishment of the National Forestry Authority (NFA) following accusations that the agency has failed to protect Uganda’s forest cover, despite being equipped with resources, including military and police support.
This decision came after the passing of the National Forestry and Tree Planting (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aimed at integrating NFA’s functions into the Ministry of Water and Environment.
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Beatrice Anywar, Minister of State for Environment, stated that the amendment seeks to streamline operations and address overlapping mandates, thus improving service delivery.
"Mainstreaming NFA into the Ministry will reduce government expenditure while still generating non-tax revenue," she explained.
During the presentation of the committee report, Geofrey Feta (Ayivu East) emphasized that the Ministry has the capacity to take over NFA's responsibilities.
"The Ministry of Water and Environment is willing to absorb over 80% of the current NFA staff, and their terminal benefits have been accounted for," he said.
However, the decision was met with dissent from some members. Christine Nakimwelo (Kiboga DWR), in her minority report, urged Parliament to reconsider, arguing that NFA has significantly improved its financial performance, achieving an 83% increase in non-tax revenue over recent years.
"NFA has established over 14,000 hectares of plantations ready for harvest, which will generate around Shs6 billion in the medium to long term," she stated.
Despite these arguments, MPs from both the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition rejected calls to preserve NFA. Agnes Atim (Amolatar DWR) asserted that placing NFA under the Ministry would help address issues of land grabbing.
"The issue of land grabbing is widespread; it’s not just about NFA," she stated.
Lulume Bayiga (Buikwe South) was particularly scathing, accusing NFA of contributing to environmental degradation, especially in areas like Mabira Forest.
"I have written to the Inspector General of Government to investigate the destruction caused by NFA officials. These individuals should not be integrated into the Ministry; they should face prosecution," he declared.
Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala County) expressed astonishment at the shift in MPs’ positions, recalling that the initial proposal to abolish NFA had faced strong opposition.
"An institution that was given the military and police mandate to preserve natural forests has failed. We need to vote to give NFA a decent burial," he urged.
As the House concluded the debate, the approval of the bill marks a significant change in the management of Uganda’s forestry resources, with the future of the country's forests now under the direct oversight of the Ministry of Water and Environment.
The implications of this decision on environmental conservation and forestry management remain to be seen.
