Canopy News Letter
National Forestry Authority gets new Acting Executive Director
Kampala, Uganda — July 8, 2024: Stuart Maniraguha is the Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA) for the next six months. This appointment follows the expiration of the term of the outgoing Executive Director, Tom Obong Okello, who served for six transformative years.
.jpg)
The handover ceremony in photo above, was witnessed by all NFA Board members, staff both physically and online from the nine ranges of the NFA nationwide, marked a significant transition for the organization. Read more
NFA Embarks on Conservation Education among School-Going Children
 |
| NFA Ag Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha with the Green Ambassadors |
Kampala, July 24, 2024 - The National Forestry Authority
(NFA), in partnership with Little Hands Go Green (LHGG), has launched a
conservation education initiative targeting primary school pupils. The strategy
was unveiled by NFA Ag. Executive Director (ED), Stuart Maniraguha, during a
meeting with students from several schools, including Mother Manjeri Primary
School and Mbuya Parents School.
NFA and WWF Plan to Expand Forest Conservation
Efforts in Uganda
.JPG) |
| NFA Directors embrace the WWF management at Office Headquarters in Kampala |
National Field Assessment on Combating Deforestation and Forest Crime in Uganda
 |
| Multi - Agency team meets in NFA's Kalinzu CFR |
Uganda, July 26, 2024 – A multi-agency team composed of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Local Government and the National Forestry Authority (NFA) of Uganda came together to assess capabilities and identify trainings needs to jointly respond to forest crime and deforestation in Uganda with support from UNODC. Read more
 | ||
| Enforcement teams from various MDA's in Arua NFA Leverages Sports to Boost
Forest Conservation Kampala, July 18, 2024 — The National Forestry
Authority (NFA) is partnering with the sports community to enhance forest
conservation. This collaboration was announced by NFA’s Public Relations
Officer, Juliet Mubi, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) and the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN) at the UOC offices in Lugogo. The event also
introduced the Sports for Nature Framework. “The Sports for Nature Framework aims to drive
transformative actions for nature across the sports sector by 2030 and beyond,”
Mubi stated. The framework, developed by IUCN, the International Olympic
Committee (IOC), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), seeks to
enable sports to contribute to environmental protection and restoration.
Dr. Donald Rukare, UOC President, highlighted the MoU’s goal of restoring 400 hectares in Central Forest Reserves and promoting biodiversity through sports. IUCN’s Moses Eyaru noted that sports can significantly raise climate change awareness and foster conservation efforts.
NCBA Bank and National Forestry Authority Launch Tree Planting Initiative in Masaka Masaka, Uganda – July 4, 2024 – In a bid to combat climate change and restore vital ecosystems, the National Forestry Authority (NFA) in partnership forces with NCBA Bank Uganda Limited in a tree planting initiative launched the Jubiya Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Masaka. |
.jpeg)
.JPG) |
| Masaka district local government officials NFA and NCBA Bank at Jubiya Central Forest Reserve |
DTB Partners with NFA to Restore Kasonke Central Forest Reserve to Protect Biodiversity
Kampala, July 18, 2024 - Diamond Trust Bank Uganda in partnership with the National Forestry Authority to restore degraded parts of Kasonke Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Masaka. Kasonke Central Forest Reserve known for its high biodiversity value, faces threats of degradation mainly from encroachment. Addressing these challenges, DTB’s CEO Godfrey Sebaana said “We all have a responsibility to preserve the environment for today & for future generations.”
The Ag. Executive Director, National Forestry Authority Mr. Stuart Maniraguha said “The Authority is strategically engaging in meaningful partnership to contribute to Uganda’s Vision of increasing forest cover to 24% by 2040. Together with DTB we shall restore degraded parts Kasonke CFR. View Coverage
National Forestry Authority Strengthens Partnerships for Forest Restoration and Protection
In July 2024, the National Forestry Authority (NFA) has significantly bolstered its efforts to restore and protect Uganda's forests through strategic partnerships. Under the new leadership of Acting Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha, who has a long history as the Director of Plantation Development at NFA, the organization is committed to enhancing its mandate to conserve Central Forest Reserves. Maniraguha's appointment brings a renewed focus on sustainable forest management and community engagement. "Our goal is to create a sustainable environment that benefits both the ecosystem and the communities," Maniraguha stated. His leadership is expected to drive new initiatives and strengthen existing projects. Recent media publications highlighted the NFA's active involvement in various regions, including a significant project for refugee forest restoration in Kamwenge district. This initiative is part of a broader effort to rehabilitate degraded areas and support refugee communities with sustainable livelihoods. In addition, the NFA has intensified its crackdown on illegal activities within forest reserves. This month, arrests of encroachers were made in Kalangala, Mayuge, Budongo, Achwa, and the South Western ranges. These actions demonstrate the NFA's unwavering commitment to protecting Uganda's valuable forest resources from exploitation. .jpg) |
| Recent arrests executed in Sango Bay Range - Kalangala district |
The NFA's management team is optimistic about the future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with local and international partners. "Our partnerships are crucial in achieving our goals of forest restoration and protection," said Maniraguha. The NFA continues to work closely with communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to ensure the sustainable management of Uganda's forests.
As the NFA moves forward, it remains dedicated to its mission of conserving the nation's forests, protecting biodiversity, and supporting community development through sustainable forestry practices. For more details visit www.nfa.go.ug
40 Arrested in Kalangala over Forest Crimes
Forty culprits were arrested by the enforcement team of the National Forestry Authority (NFA) in Kalangala for illegal forest activities. Some of the culprits were held in police cells, while others were arraigned in courts of law and sentenced for cutting trees in forest reserves, burning charcoal, and cutting trees for firewood without authorization from the responsible body, as stipulated in the laws of Uganda.
 |
| A Forest Crimes suspect bundled up by NFA Enforcement team |
Esther Nekesa, the Range Manager of Sango Bay Range, commented on the situation:
"This operation is part of our ongoing efforts to protect Uganda's forest reserves. The illegal activities we are combating not only threaten our environment but also undermine our efforts to promote sustainable forestry practices."
Enforcement Action in Mayuge: Arrests Made for Forest Encroachment
In Mayuge district, several culprits were arrested for encroaching on forest reserves, particularly South Busoga Central Forest Reserve. The arrests occurred in the Nenda, Bukalenzi, Matuba, Kikandwa, and Bugoya villages, as part of efforts to fulfill the NFA's mandate.
.jpg) |
| Central Forest Reserve land in Nenda village relieved of encroachers in Mayuge district |
.jpg) |
| Caught in the act: NFA Enforcement team nets encroachment ring leaders in South Busoga Forest Reserve |
Okot Michael, the South Busoga Plantation Manager, stated, "The communities have largely been cooperative after being sensitized about the evictions from the forest reserve." He added, "People were first sensitized before evicting those who failed to adhere to the NFA's call to action."
NFA Embraces Technology to Safeguard Central Forest Reserves
Masindi, Uganda – The National Forestry Authority (NFA) is set to launch an innovative training program for drone specialists to enhance the protection and management of Uganda's 506 central forest reserves. This initiative aims to improve the monitoring, recording, and reporting of forest activities.
 |
| NFA teams trains in using smart technology to combat forest crimes inside Budongo forest |
Boaz Basigirenda, Budongo Systems Range Manager emphasized the importance of technology in conservation efforts.
"The time for running up and down chasing encroachers is thinning with the introduction of technology and other digital interventions in forest management and development," he stated. This shift towards drone technology marks a pivotal moment for the NFA, modernizing its operations and boosting efficiency.
The NFA is also training its staff to use the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) to enhance forest reserve management. "SMART tools gather critical data on illegal activities like timber cutting and encroachment, as well as legal activities such as tourism site development and biodiversity management," noted James Mununa, NFA's enforcement coordinator. Read more
Women in Muzizi Range Lead Collaborative Forest Management Efforts
Women in the Muzizi range are making significant strides in forestry protection and restoration through Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) groups. These women are actively involved in planting, weeding, and protecting central forest reserves, while also supervising apiary centers for honey production and pollination of plants, including trees. Additionally, they produce soap, generating income for their families.
.JPG) |
A female leader from the Kitechura CFM Group recently shared her experiences and benefits with the public in Kyenjojo district. She highlighted the positive impact of their collaborative efforts on both the environment and the community's livelihoods.
Ayesiga Julian, the Resident District Commissioner of Kyenjojo, highlighted the impact of these efforts: "The CFM groups have been largely embraced and supported by women in their thousands. This initiative is not only transforming home incomes but also increasing the forest cover in the district." The women's active participation in these groups is fostering both environmental sustainability and economic empowerment in the community.
- Measuring wildlife forest degradation made easy click here
East African Forest Observatory to share data click here
The state of Worlds forests click here
- Youth Day National celebrations in Soroti district August 12, 2024
- Field visits to NFA ranges with new staffs
- Corporate Tree planting
- Miss Tourism Grande finale in Bunyoro and Teso regions
- Restoration of natural forests
- Boundary opening exercises
- Media and community advocacy activities in various ranges
- Forest Crime Prevention Teams Share Experiences Read more
- NFA Prioritizing to Reclaim Mukono CFR Land Read
more
- Young environment ambassadors empowered by NFA Read
more
- NFA to use drones for forest monitoring Read
more
- NFA introduces SMART technology to capture forest
activities in Uganda Read
more
- Stop issuing charcoal permits – NFA orders Read more
- DTB – NFA partnership aims to plant trees Read more
- NFA gets new Ag Executive Director Read
more
- 800 CFR hectares restored in Kyenjojo district Read more
We are hiring at NFA; One (1) Sector Manager and One (1) Transport Assistant Read more
Comments
Post a Comment