The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has strongly criticised Sam Mayanja, the State Minister for Lands, for allegedly inciting local communities to settle in protected forest land.
The remarks, made on January 12, 2025, during a visit to South Busoga Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Mayuge District, have sparked concerns over environmental conservation and the rule of law.
According to Aldon Walukamba, NFA’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, the 16,382-hectare South Busoga CFR remains a legally gazetted forest reserve, protected under Statutory Instrument No. 63 of 1998 since 1932.
The forest plays a vital role in preserving the Lake Victoria ecosystem and supporting livelihoods in the region.
“This reserve is critical for climate resilience and sustainable resource management. Encouraging people to settle in it is illegal and threatens national conservation efforts,” Walukamba emphasised.
This is not the first time Mayanja has been accused of promoting illegal encroachment on Uganda’s forest reserves.
In March 2024, the minister reportedly urged locals to invade Bajo Central Forest Reserve in Kayunga District, an attempt that was blocked by law enforcement agencies.
The NFA warns that such actions undermine the government’s target of increasing Uganda’s forest cover to 24% by 2040.
In response, the authority has submitted erroneously issued land titles on South Busoga CFR to the Ministry of Lands for cancellation.
The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003) provides a clear legal framework for degazettement of forest reserves, and any unauthorised allocation of forest land is illegal, NFA emphasised.
To prevent further encroachment, NFA has intensified efforts to demarcate and secure forest reserve boundaries.
The authority is also engaging local communities in income-generating activities through its Collaborative Forest Management strategy.
In response to Mayanja’s remarks, NFA has called on Ugandans to reject incitements that threaten national conservation efforts.
“We must all support the government’s strategic goals for forest conservation, which are critical to Uganda’s Tenfold Growth strategy,” Walukamba stated.
The NFA reaffirmed its commitment to defending Uganda’s 506 central forest reserves, warning that it will take all necessary action to protect them.
“We will strike at all costs to preserve these forests, ensuring their contribution to national economic growth and climate resilience,” Walukamba said.