URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO HALT MAYUGE FOREST DESTRUCTION AND DEFORESTATION IN UGANDA
Kampala, Uganda—December 13, 2024
The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has called for urgent community collaboration to curb increasing deforestation and degradation in Mayuge District, specifically in the South Busoga Forest Reserve. Rising cases of illegal logging and encroachment threaten the integrity of the forest, with far-reaching consequences for Uganda’s environment and livelihoods.
A recent NFA operation revealed that over 300 Maesopsis eminii trees had been illegally cut down in compartment 12 of the reserve within a single week. This activity cleared 0.8 hectares of forest land, predominantly for fuelwood, further endangering the region’s biodiversity. Such acts reflect a growing pattern of forest destruction in Uganda, where nearly 2.6% of forests are lost annually due to human activities.
NFA Communications and Public Relations Manager Aldon Walukamba emphasised the need for joint efforts to combat forest loss.
“Protecting our forests is a shared responsibility. Communities that rely on these ecosystems for their livelihoods must work with us to conserve them for future generations. The consequences of inaction are dire for both people and the planet,” said Walukamba.
The deforestation crisis in Mayuge is part of a larger trend across Uganda and Africa. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Africa accounts for the highest rate of deforestation globally, losing about 3.9 million hectares of forest annually. Uganda, home to vital biodiversity hotspots, has seen its forest cover decline from 24% of total land area in 1990 to less than 9% today. Key drivers include agricultural expansion, illegal logging, charcoal burning, and weak enforcement of conservation laws.
In Mayuge, the situation escalated after the arrest of a suspect, Balikowa Siraji, during the NFA’s enforcement operation. Enraged community members retaliated by destroying five hectares of one-year-old pine plantations, setting up roadblocks, and engaging in violent confrontations.
Walukamba strongly condemned the destructive acts, calling for calm and constructive dialogue to resolve tensions.
“Resorting to violence only deepens the damage to our forests. We urge all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and peaceful solutions while we work with local leaders and law enforcement to safeguard the remaining forest areas,” he added.
To address deforestation in Mayuge and beyond, the NFA is reinforcing patrols, intensifying boundary demarcations, and engaging communities in conservation initiatives. However, the authority warns that long-term success hinges on collective action. Communities must adopt sustainable practices such as agroforestry, alternative energy sources, and reforestation projects to reduce pressure on forest resources.
Uganda’s forests are vital for climate regulation, water catchment, and economic livelihoods. Without immediate intervention, the loss of forest cover could exacerbate climate change impacts, reduce agricultural productivity, and increase poverty levels in forest-dependent communities.
The NFA reiterates its commitment to protecting Uganda’s forests but stresses that conservation cannot succeed in isolation. Protecting these natural resources is a shared responsibility between government agencies, communities, and private stakeholders. By working together, Uganda can reverse the trend of deforestation and preserve its forests for generations to come.
(By Ecomedia)
