Canopy News Letter
Issue : 001 June 2024
NFA Executive Director Tom Obong Okello Bids Farewell after Transformative Tenure
June 28, 2024 The National Forestry Authority (NFA) bid farewell to its Executive Director, Tom Obong Okello, who successfully
concluded his six-year tenure. Joining the NFA in July 2018, Mr. Okello set out
with a vision to improve forest reserves management, address illegal
activities, garner stakeholder support, increase tree planting, and enhance
staff welfare. His tenure has yielded remarkable achievements, leaving the NFA
stronger and more resilient.
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| Hon. Sam Cheptoris hands plaque to outgoing NFA ED Tom Obong Okello at Farewell ceremony in Kampala |
Key Achievements:
- Increase
in Forest Cover:
Under Mr. Okello’s leadership, Uganda's forest cover increased from 9.9%
in 2017 to 12.4%. This was achieved through the establishment of 6,766
hectares of new plantations by the NFA, 75,410 hectares by private tree
farmers, and the distribution of 126,339,704 seedlings to the public.
- Forest
Land Recovery: The
NFA recovered 44,702 hectares of forest land from encroachers and restored
22,500 hectares. Additionally, 4,597.1 kilometers of forest boundaries
were reopened and demarcated with concrete pillars.
- Staff
Mobility Improvement: The procurement of 20 vehicles and 62
motorcycles significantly enhanced staff mobility for forestry management.
- Increased
Non-Tax Revenue:
Revenue rose from approximately 9 billion UGX in 2017/18 to 18 billion UGX
in 2023/24.
- Support
for Forestry Management: Partnerships with the World Bank, Swedish
Development Agency, Irish Aid, WWF, USAID, and other organizations
provided crucial support for various projects, including forest
regeneration, boundary demarcation, and forest monitoring.
- Community
Engagement: The
introduction of agroforestry practices empowered over 100,000 farmers, and
10 million seedlings were distributed to schools, institutions, and
communities.
- Technological
Advancements:
Implementation of a Geographic Information System (GIS) for real-time
forest monitoring and the use of drones enhanced forest management
capabilities, reducing illegal logging incidents by 70%.
Significant Projects:
- Mabira
Forest Reserve Transformation: Reforestation and conservation initiatives
restored 30,000 hectares, transforming Mabira into a thriving ecosystem
and popular ecotourism destination, attracting 50,000 visitors annually.
- Improved
Staff Welfare:
Staff salaries were enhanced three times during Mr. Okello’s tenure,
demonstrating his commitment to staff welfare. click here
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| A section of Mbale Central Forest Reserve set aside for satellite Zoo |
"Today's handover symbolizes our commitment to both conservation and community engagement," Dr. Eng. Ebal announced. "This satellite zoo will not only protect wildlife but also educate and inspire future generations about the importance of forests."
Community members and environmental advocates cheered as the keys to the land were handed over.
"This initiative will foster a deeper connection between people and nature," said local conservationist Maria Ainebyoona. "It's a win-win for both wildlife and our community."
The satellite zoo aims to become a beacon of environmental stewardship, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of development and nature. click here
NFA Director Stuart Maniraguha Champions Agro-Forestry for Sustainable Development
Stuart Maniraguha, Director of Plantations at the National Forestry Authority (NFA), took center stage across Kampala's media landscape—Next FM, UBC, and NTV—on World Environment Day 2024. His advocacy for agro-forestry as a catalyst for sustainable development resonated deeply.
"Agro-forestry offers a win-win solution," Maniraguha asserted, "enhancing land productivity while conserving our natural resources."
Highlighting NFA's collaborative forest management and strategic partnerships, Maniraguha stressed the importance of integrating forestry into agricultural landscapes to mitigate climate change and secure livelihoods. His discussions underscored Uganda's commitment to balancing environmental conservation with agricultural productivity.
"It's about fostering harmony between people and nature," he emphasized, urging communities to embrace practices that sustainably harness the land's potential.
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| NFA Director Plantations Development Stuart Maniraguha at Next Radio and UBC Television |
Maniraguha's passionate plea for agro-forestry reflects NFA's dedication to nurturing a greener future, resonating with stakeholders poised to embrace holistic approaches to environmental management and economic growth.
Prince Samuel Harrison Kintu Ordered to Reapply for Land Ownership in Buliisa
Prince Samuel Harrison Kintu Gafabusa has been directed by the Buliisa District Security Committee to reapply for the ownership of a 637-hectare piece of land in Kitigo, Buliisa district. The committee questioned the authenticity of the documents he submitted, suspecting them to be falsified.
"We have strong reasons to believe that the land documents presented by Prince Kintu are not genuine," stated a district official. "The community and district leadership have raised concerns about the legitimacy of his claims."
The National Forestry Authority (NFA), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and representatives from the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development were present during the proceedings. Aldon Walukamba member of the NFA remarked,
"This land is crucial for our conservation efforts, and we must ensure its rightful ownership."
Prince Kintu has been given a mandate to present irrefutable evidence to support his claim in order to proceed with the land registration process.
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| Prince Samuel Harrison Kintu Gafabusa at Biiso Primary school |
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| L-R : Buliisa Woman Member of Parliament, LCV Chairman and Bullisa MP at a Stakeholders meeting on Land matters |
National Training Workshop to Combat Forest Crimes Held in Jinja
A National Training Needs Assessment Workshop for Law Enforcement and Prosecution of Forest Crimes was held at Nile Village Hotel in Jinja, aiming to combat deforestation and forest degradation in Uganda. The workshop, organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and funded by the European Union (EU), focused on strengthening law enforcement, enhancing investigative and prosecutorial capacities, and improving coordination with international law enforcement agencies.
HRM Margaret Kyohairwe represented the National Forestry Authority (NFA) at the event. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Water and Environment (MWE), Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MoTA), Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MoLED), Uganda Securities Authority (USA), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Office of the Prime Minister (OOPS), Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA), District Forest Officers (DFOs), Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), and Uganda Police Force (UPF).
The workshop underscored the importance of multi-agency collaboration in addressing forest crimes, which are increasingly becoming sophisticated and transnational. Through this initiative, stakeholders aim to bolster their organizational capacity to tackle illegal logging and trade, ensuring sustainable forest management and conservation. The event highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in preserving Uganda's forests, emphasizing that enhanced law enforcement and prosecution efforts are vital in mitigating environmental degradation and promoting biodiversity.
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| Centre in Blue: NFA HRM Margaret Kyohairwe in group photo after training workshop |
NFA Showcases Indigenous Trees at World Environment Day 2024 in Sironko
The National Forestry Authority (NFA) actively participated in the World Environment Day 2024 celebrations held in Sironko district. The NFA team set up an exhibit showcasing a variety of indigenous trees, including Mvule, Musizi, and Macadamia, among others.
The exhibit attracted numerous visitors interested in learning about these tree species, their planting methods, and their environmental and societal benefits. The event provided a platform for NFA to educate the public on the importance of tree planting and forest conservation, emphasizing the critical role these activities play in maintaining ecological balance and supporting local communities.
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Uganda's forest cover stands at 13.3%, but the ambitious goal is to increase this to 15% and beyond. Achieving this target hinges on sustainable forest management practices that actively involve communities living near forest reserves the Communications and Public Relations unit says. Collaborative forest management (CFM) is a crucial strategy in this endeavor, as evidenced by successful projects in National Forestry Authority ranges, just like it is in Muzizi.
CFM involves local communities in the stewardship of forest resources, aligning their livelihoods with conservation efforts. By engaging in income-generating activities such as beekeeping, eco-friendly charcoal production, and tree planting, communities can improve their economic conditions while contributing to forest restoration. This dual approach addresses both environmental and socio-economic challenges, creating a vested interest in the health of the forests.
Empowering local communities reduces illegal activities such as logging and encroachment, as residents become active guardians of their natural resources. Educational programs and capacity-building initiatives further enhance their ability to manage forests sustainably. For instance, in the Matiri, Ibambaro, and Kitechura Central Forest Reserves, community efforts have successfully restored 879 hectares of degraded land with indigenous trees.
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| Natural forest canopies of Kitechura Central Forest Reserve in Kyenjojo |
Scaling such projects across Uganda can significantly boost forest cover. The integration of community needs with conservation objectives ensures long-term sustainability, fostering a harmonious relationship between people and nature. Through continued support and expansion of CFM initiatives, Uganda can achieve its forest cover goals, enhancing biodiversity, combating climate change, and improving livelihoods.
Uganda's 2024/2025
Budget: Boost to Forestry with 15 Million Trees, Environmental Protection, and
Agricultural Projects
Kampala, Uganda – Uganda’s 2024/2025 budget reading has unveiled a landmark initiative aimed at revitalizing the nation’s forestry sector. With a dedicated allocation of Shs 516.78 billion for climate change mitigation, natural resources, environment, and water resource management, the government is setting the stage for significant environmental and agricultural advancements. click here
In Kyenjojo District,
communities near the Matiri, Ibambaro, and Kitechura Central Forest Reserves
(CFRs) are celebrating their success with new income-generating enterprises.
Men, women, youths, and disabled individuals have come together to engage in
activities like apiary, liquid soap making, tailoring, and environmentally
friendly charcoal briquette production. This collaboration has not only boosted
local economies but also protected and restored forests, with 879 hectares of
degraded land replanted with indigenous trees.
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| Collaborative Forestry Management teams inspect an Apiary Centre in Kitechura CFR, Kyenjojo district |
On June 8, 2024, the National Forestry Authority, in partnership with the Resident District Commissioner’s Office, led a monitoring tour funded by the Irish Government and Swedish International Corporation Agency.
This initiative, under the “Securing Uganda’s Natural Resource Base in Protected Areas” project, aims to support sustainable forest management and enhance community benefits.
The project has empowered
communities to access and manage protected resources, reducing pressure on
natural forests and resolving encroachment issues. During the tour,
stakeholders witnessed the success of boundary demarcations and forest
restoration efforts. The visit highlighted the positive impact of Collaborative
Forest Management groups like the Kitega Community Environmental Association in
Kitechura CFR, showcasing a strengthened relationship between communities and
forest conservation efforts.
The Trees are Yawning
Uganda,
Uganda, Uganda…. How Many times have I called you?
My
Uganda, My BELOVED.
Left
alone in the wilderness,
We
love the wilderness, though.
Touch
not us, tender us as we give you everything.
We
thicken the clouds into rain, we shelter your gardens and homes. We beautify nature.
Tender
us more.
Uganda,
Uganda,
You
axe us every day, you pollute us every day but we swallow the venom,
For
you to live longer and for your generations to find and study.
Uganda,
Uganda. Our love for you is endless,
But
you have no love for us.
We
are also living things. We are your amazons, your carbon absorbers,
your
Lungs, your everything.
Ever
green in summer and winter.
Your
first sons and daughters. We shall celebrate with you.
Stay
safe, Be forested.
By Millie Kiwanuka (SPA)
West Nile Range, Koboko district
Mt. Kei Sector Team Discusses Forest Conservation on Ribat FM 91.7 Yumbe
Our Mt. Kei Sector team, alongside members of the CFM group from the Mountain Kei Community Development Association, were featured on Ribat FM 91.7 Yumbe. During the radio segment, they discussed their collaborative efforts with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to combat forest destruction in the Mt. Kei Central Forest Reserve (CFR).
The dialogue focused on strategies to enhance forest conservation, the significance of sustainable practices, and the critical role of community involvement in preserving natural resources. The partnership aims to implement effective measures to protect the forest, ensuring environmental sustainability and community benefits.
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| Mt. Kei Sector team and CFM group from the Mountain Kei Community Development Association on Ribat FM 91.7 Yumbe |
Forestry Stakeholders Meet
to Discuss Muinaina Forest Boundary Reopening
On June 13, 2024, stakeholders in the forestry sector convened at the Mubende
District Local Government (MDLG) headquarters to discuss the planned boundary
reopening of Muinaina Central Forest Reserve (CFR) by the National Forestry
Authority (NFA). The meeting, chaired by Mubende Resident District Commissioner
Hajji Umar Lule, aimed to prepare local leaders for the upcoming boundary
reopening.
Organized by the NFA, the meeting underscored the agency’s mandate to
manage and develop Central Forest Reserves. Key participants included the
District Speaker Mr. Abuzurweki Richard, the District Forest Officer, several
political leaders, and NFA staff.
Muinaina CFR, established in 1932 to protect the Muinaina wetland,
boasts a healthy stand of Markhamia trees, valuable for agro-forestry, timber,
and poles. Parts of the reserve are earmarked for industrial plantations.
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| NFA Team displays 1915 map of Muinaina Forest reserve to leaders of Mubende district at council hall |
Following the discussions, participants agreed that NFA would share
reports on previous boundary openings in Kanangaro and ensure that the boundary
reopening process in Muinaina is participatory, involving all local leaders to
maintain peace. NFA surveyors presented evidence from old maps and gazettement
documents dating back to 1915, confirming the forest land boundaries.
Mubende's leadership appreciated NFA's participatory approach and
committed to cooperating with the agency, mobilizing communities to prevent
conflicts, and promoting sustainable forest management to mitigate climate
change impacts.
- FAO and EU Launch Euro 15 Million Project to Transform Uganda's Forestry Sector click here
MPs reject move to rationalize National Forestry Authority click here
The ruthless Congo Basin timber smuggling business click here
- Coordination and Monitoring of various projects at NFA in various ranges
- Human Resources field visits to NFA ranges with new staffs
- Corporate Tree planting
- Restoration of natural forests
- Boundary opening exercises
- Media and community advocacy activities in various ranges
- NFA Director Plantations Stuart Maniraguha speaks about World Environment Day 2024 on NTV click here
NFA, UWEC Collaborate to set up Mbale satellite Zoo click here
- Matiri Central Forest Reserve Eco - Tourism Centre news click here
- Restoration of Kyenjojo Forest Reserves features on NTV's 'Taasa Obutonde' click here
- Budongo Forest Land stories: UG Reports | NTV | URN | Independent News | Nile Post
- NFA ED Tom Obong Okello Signs Out after six years : click here | UBC | NTV
- Budongo Communities Urged to use available complaint mechanisms in Land disputes click here
Agriculture Extension Officers needed click here
Plant survey expert click here
Birds’ expert job click here
Plant breeding officer needed click here
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