NFA uncovers 700 illegal titles in forest reserves

NFA uncovers 703 illegal land titles in Uganda’s forest reserves, highlighting widespread encroachment and environmental risks.

The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has uncovered 703 illegal land titles within Uganda’s forest reserves, raising serious concerns about the rampant encroachment threatening the country’s natural resources.

This alarming discovery was revealed by Stuart Maniraguha, Acting Executive Director of the NFA, during an interview at the Uganda Biodiversity Fund's 8th-anniversary celebrations in Kampala.

Maniraguha noted that these illegal titles were identified between July and early August as part of the NFA’s ongoing efforts to assess the extent of forest degradation across the country.

“Recently, we have been battling with challenges of illegal land claims that have resulted in illegal land titles. As I speak, we have already identified, within a very short time, 703 titles in Central Forest Reserves,” he stated.

The illegal titles, primarily located in the central region, pose a significant threat to Uganda’s forest reserves. Forests in districts such as Wakiso, Kayunga, and Kampala are particularly vulnerable.

Maniraguha highlighted that these areas, along with others in central Uganda, face the highest risk of degradation due to illegal activities.

“The biggest threat is found within eight districts of central Uganda, including Kampala, Wakiso, Kayunga, Buikwe, Buvuma, Mpigi, Butambala, and Luwero,” he added.

In response, the NFA has taken steps to collaborate with the Ministry of Lands to cancel these illegal titles.

The first batch of 438 titles has already been confirmed as located within forest reserves.

The NFA plans to open forest reserve boundaries and integrate this information into the national land management system to prevent future land disputes and illegal allocations.

This revelation comes amid growing concerns about the state of Uganda’s natural forests.

Last year, Members of Parliament demanded that the Ministry of Water and Environment withdraw over 1,000 illegal land titles issued within various forest reserves nationwide.

These encroachments have severely impacted central reserves, including Bugoma Forest and Mabira Forest.

Encroachment on forest reserves has not only led to the degradation of critical ecosystems but has also sparked accusations of selective justice by authorities like the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and NFA.

MPs have criticized these institutions for their inadequate enforcement of environmental laws, allowing encroachers to continue with impunity.

The ongoing struggle to protect Uganda’s forest reserves underscores the need for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations and more robust measures to safeguard the country’s natural heritage.

The NFA’s recent findings highlight the urgency of addressing illegal land claims and ensuring that Uganda’s forests are preserved for future generations.

As the NFA and other stakeholders continue to address the challenges posed by illegal land titles, the future of Uganda’s forests hangs in the balance.

The actions taken in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether these vital ecosystems can be saved from further destruction.