Tension is brewing in Saayi Village, Kisoga-Ntenjeru Town Council, Mukono District, after residents staged a protest over what they claim is the illegal cultivation of marijuana in a government forest reserve by Robert Abenaitwe, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Zombo District.
The disputed activity is taking place on approximately 17 acres within Zirimiti Central Forest Reserve, land residents say was originally allocated for tree planting and community development, not cannabis farming.
“We are not against development,” said Sarah Nakimera, a local resident. “But turning our forest into a drug farm guarded by men with guns is terrifying. We are no longer safe or even allowed to collect firewood.”
The peaceful protest drew a response from security forces, including police and army officers, who convened a crisis meeting with local leaders and representatives from the National Forest Authority (NFA).
In a surprise admission, CAO Robert Abenaitwe confirmed that marijuana is indeed being cultivated on the land — but defended the activity as legal and licensed.
“It is true that we are cultivating marijuana,” Abenaitwe told residents during the meeting. “But we are doing so with legal clearance. Everything is being done in accordance with the law.”
Uganda passed the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act in February 2023, which permits the licensed cultivation of cannabis strictly for medical and scientific purposes.
However, residents remain unconvinced, demanding that the land be returned to its original afforestation purpose.
“Let them take their marijuana elsewhere,” said John Ssenfuma, a local farmer who claims his goats were shot by guards manning the farm. “We want trees, not marijuana.”
In a notable revelation, Col. Edward Kakhongi, the officer in charge of forest land allocations under the NFA, admitted that the land had indeed been leased to Abenaitwe — but solely for afforestation purposes.
“We gave that land for tree planting, not for cultivating marijuana,” Kakhongi said. “We are now investigating how this activity was permitted and will take necessary action.”
He also used the opportunity to caution residents against illegal activities in forest reserves, including unlicensed cannabis farming.
Shafic Kasujja , the police liaison officer representing the District Police Commander, reassured residents that the matter is being treated seriously.
“If any crimes were committed, whether it’s land misuse or community harassment, we shall take appropriate legal action,” Kasujja said.
The Mayor of Kisoga-Ntenjeru Town Council, Robinson Hudson Kiyaga, voiced concern over the presence of armed guards associated with the marijuana farm, calling it a threat to public safety.
“We will not tolerate people walking around our communities with guns in the name of guarding marijuana,” Kiyaga said. “That is a direct threat to peace and public safety.”
While licensed cannabis cultivation is now legal in Uganda under strict regulation, the law mandates clearance from multiple government agencies, including the Ministry of Health, National Drug Authority, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
It remains unclear whether CAO Abenaitwe secured all the required approvals beyond his claim of having a license.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and enforcement action will be taken where any violations of the law are found.
