The National Forestry Authority Director for Lakeshore Range Jonan Mugisha has warned community members against encroaching on Public Forest Land across the country, or will face the law. The warning comes in the wake of destruction of forest reserves in Wakiso, Mpigi, Serere among other districts.
During the Launch of a campaign to restore Kyewagga Forest Reserve in Katabi Town Council- Wakiso District and other affected forest reserves in the Country, Mugisha has called on the general public to take part in the restoration of forest reserves by planting trees whilst celebrating special life accomplishments and occasions such as birthdays and weddings.
The commencement of the campaign was marked by planting indigenous tree species in Kyewagga Forest reserve and similar efforts will be employed to see that about 220 Hectares of forest cover are restored in the country mainly in the districts that embody water bodies as per the National Forestry Authority. The Authority is partnering with MTN Uganda on this campaign.
“From 1900 to 1990, Uganda lost about 29% of its forest cover and we believe this drive will enable us restore our forests. The dignity and integrity of forest reserves such as Kyewagga has been lost to Human settlement, livestock farming and cultivation, and those that cut down trees seeking firewood. Also majorly sand minors in the Lakeshore areas have been a nightmare.” Jonan Mugisha said
“Some individuals that assumed were above the law, had illegally obtained land titles on public land. We were able to quash a total of 98 titles back in 2017, and we are now more hopeful than ever that Kyewagga and other reserves will be restored. We have instituted surveillance and enforcement teams to consistently monitor our reserves.” Mugisha added
MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Wim Vanhelleputte has revealed that they will be partnering with the National Forestry Authority to ensure success of this campaign. He also noted that planting trees is the only right path to follow in order to conserve the environment and climate.
Wim further noted that this will surely be a continuation of what they have executed in the recent years since their inception as MTN Uganda back in 1998, the brand has always cared to be champions of environment conservation and sustainability.
According to Ronald Kalema who is the Katabi Town Council Chairperson, so much more needs to be done in concert with all stakeholders. Kalema has called for Local leaders and the Forestry Authority to indulge communities on the dangers that come with environmental degradation.
“There is no way we can safeguard the forest reserves and the environment without employing concerted efforts as local leaders and relevant authorities. The government needs to use all available resources to deter degradation of any nature on the environment.” Kalema Said
Pro-environment figure Matia Lwanga Bwanika who is also Wakiso District Chairperson said it is high time they intensified the crackdown on all entities and individuals who believe they hold special powers, and degrade the environment for their gain.Lwanga said that no one shall be spared whilst dealing with the perpetrators, noting that he has been misunderstood by several colleagues that think his fight is a political one.
“The rate at which influential people and those with power are using heavy machinery to degrade the environment is so alarming, they illegally abuse and acquire public land for their gains, but if we all come together we can win this fight.” Lwanga said
According to statistical data between 1900 up to 1990 Uganda’s forest cover dropped from 53% to a dismal 24%. The damage is attributed to encroachers who do not take the trouble to replant trees to replace those that they cut given the fact that almost 90% of Ugandans rely on plant-based fuel resources for cooking.
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