In line with the National Forestry Authority’s (NFA) mandate to ensure sustainable forest management and conservation of Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) in Uganda, the NFA enforcement team has arrested three key individuals involved in the illegal clearance and destruction of Mabira Forest, Buikwe District.
The arrested suspects include Joseph Ecima, a Forest Supervisor in the Namulaba Beat of Mabira CFR, alongside two patrolmen, Mwebaze David, also known as Abdul, and Matsiko Winston. Their arrest comes in the wake of recent media reports that implicated NFA officials in colluding with factory owners, industrial players, and prison officials to cut trees for timber, charcoal, and firewood. The reports also revealed that parts of Mabira Forest Reserve’s boundaries were being illegally hired out for crop cultivation—practices that are strictly prohibited under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (NFTPA) of 2003.
Upon reviewing these alarming reports, Acting Executive Director of the NFA, Stuart Maniraguha, swiftly constituted an investigative team, which led to the apprehension of the culprits.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Francis Olugu, the Police Liaison Commandant at NFA, confirmed that charges of criminal neglect of duty have been brought against the suspects. Additional charges, such as corrupt neglect of duty, are being investigated under the NFTPA, Penal Code Act, and Anti-Corruption Acts of Uganda.
In a statement, Aldon Walukamba, NFA’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, urged citizens to play an active role in protecting Uganda’s forests.
Speaking on the arrests, Walukamba emphasized, “We are committed to protecting our forest reserves and ensuring that anyone who violates the law is held accountable. These arrests should serve as a warning to all individuals involved in illegal forest activities.”
“We call on all concerned citizens to report illegal activities to the police, local authorities, or the NFA’s toll-free line at 0800264036. Together, we can prevent further destruction of our invaluable forests.”
In recent months, the NFA’s enforcement efforts have intensified, leading to the arrest of 68 suspects inside Mabira Forest, with 40 individuals already arraigned in the Utilities Court. Additionally, 29 vehicles carrying timber and charcoal, 100 motorcycles, and 60 wood miser power saws have been impounded. The NFA is also collaborating with the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to cancel illegal land titles within CFRs, including 112 titles recently revoked. The NFA has identified another 700 illegal land titles within CFRs for cancellation.
Mabira CFR, covering 29,964 hectares, is a crucial ecological asset, serving as a watershed for the Lake Victoria, Kyoga, and Nile River system. The forest supports rivers such as Musamya, Ssezibwa, and Waliga, playing a significant role in regulating the region’s climate and air quality. Its location near urban and industrial areas makes it vital for cleaning the air of industrial gases, thereby benefiting surrounding communities and industries. Mabira Forest is also a hub for eco-tourism, research, and education, with ongoing Collaborative Forest Management initiatives involving local communities.
As the NFA continues its mission of protecting and restoring Uganda’s forests, we remain committed to ensuring that those entrusted with the management of our natural resources act with integrity and in the best interest of sustainable forest management.
