Canopy News Letter
Issue : 004 September 2024
The National Forestry Authority
(NFA) Board, led by Chairman Eng. Dr. Christopher Ebal, along with members Dr.
Abdullahi Hussein Shire, Mrs. Tina Achilla, Ms. Charity Chebet, and Ag. ED
Stuart Maniraguha, made a strategic visit to the Kyoga and Karamoja Ranges. The
tour included a benchmarking visit to the Subterra Rock Quarry in Bulambuli
district. The Board also visited Moroto CFR and met with the Karamoja Range
team. Additionally, they explored key sites such as the Mutooto cultural site
in Mbale CFR, the Karatunga site in Mt. Kadum CFR, and a rock quarry in Mt.
Moroto CFR. Read more
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| HRH Jude Mike Mudoma NFA Board members appreciate Mutooto cultural site land in Mbale CFR |
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| NFA Board Members at Subterra Rock Quarry in Bulambuli district |
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| NFA Board Chairman Eng. Dr. Christopher Ebal plants a tree at Karamoja Range Office in Moroto district |
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| NFA Board with Moruajore Collaborative Forest Management Group in Nakapiripirit District The NFA Board's visit aimed to assess forest conservation efforts, engage with local management teams, and explore sustainable land-use practices in the Kyoga and Karamoja Ranges. This strategic tour will help guide future conservation strategies and foster collaboration with local stakeholders to improve forest management. NFA, Former VP Bukenya Launch Restoration of Nonve CFR
The
National Forestry Authority, in partnership with former Vice President and
Senior Presidential Adviser Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, has launched a restoration
drive for degraded sections of Nonve Central Forest Reserve (CFR). Prof.
Bukenya called for the cancellation of illegally acquired land titles in CFRs
and penalties for those responsible. Namibia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E.
Godfrey Kirumira, praised the initiative and pledged to involve the business
community in tree planting. Wakiso RDC, Ms. Justin Mbabazi, urged citizens to
take personal responsibility for environmental conservation. The event
attracted civil society, NGOs, local governments, and school pupils. The NFA
was represented by Ag ED Stuart Maniraguha.  Together we can : Former VP Prof. Bukenya, NFA Ag ED Stuart Maniraguha at the tree planting event NFA,
Inzu Ya Masaaba Partner for Sustainable Conservation Efforts
The
National Forestry Authority (NFA) and the Inzu Ya Masaaba cultural institution
have launched a partnership to promote forestry, eco-tourism, and cultural
conservation. During a visit to the Mutoto cultural site in Mbale, NFA Board
Chairman Eng. Dr. Christopher Ebal highlighted the collaboration as a
low-impact conservation strategy. NFA Acting Executive Director Stuart
Maniraguha emphasized the mutual benefits of the partnership. His Royal
Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuuka of Bamasaaba, welcomed the initiative,
which includes plans for a youth training center and cultural preservation. A
Memorandum of Understanding will formalize the partnership.  Advocacy
for Forest Boundaries: NFA and Parliament Dialogue NFA
Ag. Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha met with Rt. Hon. Deputy Speaker
Thomas Tayebwa at the Parliament office in Kampala to address concerns over the
boundary demarcation of Imaramagambo Forest. The meeting, also attended by UWA,
Mitooma district Speaker Mr. Tumwekwatse Moses, and local stakeholders, focused
on resolving tensions caused by property damage during the boundary marking
exercise. After deliberations, NFA clarified that their boundaries did not
encroach on community land. Overzealous surveyors exceeding Queen Elizabeth
National Park's borders were halted. Deputy Speaker Tayebwa thanked NFA for
their swift action in resolving the issue. Read more  Driving a point home: NFA Ag ED speaks to Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa at Parliament Bugoma Forest Opens for Chimpanzee Tracking  The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has launched
chimpanzee tracking in Bugoma Central Forest Reserve. In partnership with the
Bugoma Primate Conservation Project, NFA has habituated two chimp communities
since 2015: Mwera North for research and Mwera South for ecotourism. Each
community comprises 60-70 chimps. Bugoma is also home to baboons, mangabeys,
and diverse tree species. This initiative aims to boost tourism, create jobs
for local youth, and improve livelihoods for nearby communities. Tour operators
praised the affordable $80 tracking fee, while nearby lodges like Bugoma Jungle
Lodge and Lake Albert Safaris plan to support the ecotourism venture. On site video : Can you see that Chimpanzee? NFA Announces New Appointments,
Re-designations, and Promotions .jpg) The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has announced
a series of staff appointments, re-designations, and promotions aimed at
enhancing organizational leadership and efficiency. Approved by the NFA Board
of Directors, the changes include the appointment of Muhumuza Moses as Director
of Legal and Corporate Affairs. Acting appointments include Mwodi Martin Kegere
as Ag. Director of Plantations Development, Kwesiga Joseph as Ag. Legal
Manager, and several others. The re-designation of Twinomuhangi Leo as Focal
Point Officer/Institutional Project Coordinator IFPA-CD was also highlighted.
NFA Management urges all staff to support their newly appointed colleagues as
they take on their roles. NFA Ag. Executive Director
Addresses Students on Forestry Policy
The National Forestry Authority (NFA) Ag. Executive
Director, Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, delivered a public lecture at Makerere
University, organized by the Forestry Association. He highlighted the
historical context of forestry policy formulation in Uganda, dating back to
1898, and emphasized the importance of sustainable forestry practices for
national development. Mr. Maniraguha discussed the impact of past policies,
such as the double production decree, and the evolution of the Forestry Act. He
encouraged students to pursue forestry studies, underscoring the sector's
potential for economic growth and its critical role in supporting agriculture
and energy needs in Uganda.  Editorial News: NFA Prioritizes Advocacy and Community Engagement
for Sustainable Impact
The past month saw the National Forestry Authority
(NFA) actively advocating for conservation, executing its mandate, and
strengthening partnerships with communities and stakeholders. These efforts
aimed at enhancing forest preservation and eco-tourism. However, NFA leadership
emphasized the need to increase public awareness of these activities and better
capture events for outcome harvesting. By doing so, the organization aims to
showcase its impact more effectively and engage wider audiences in forest
conservation efforts. Going forward, NFA will focus on aligning its initiatives
with community needs while documenting successes to drive its mission further. National Tree Planting Day 2024 Celebrated
in Gulu
The National Tree Planting Day was held at Sir
Samuel Baker Secondary School in Gulu district, as part of the Running Out of
Trees (ROOTs) campaign. Officiated by Chief Justice Hon. Justice Alfonso Owinyi
Dollo, the event gathered high-profile officials, including Minister for
Northern Uganda Hon. Dr. Kenneth Omona. The National Forestry Authority (NFA)
was prominently represented, led by Director of Plantations Development Mr.
Martin Mwodi and Range Manager Mr. Ojja Michael. This initiative aims to raise
awareness about tree conservation and the importance of sustainable forestry
practices in Uganda’s northern region. NFA Urges Forest Conservation for
Sustainable Tourism at World Tourism Day 2024 .jpg) Aldon Walukamba, Communications and Public
Relations Manager of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), delivered a
compelling message at the World Tourism Day 2024 event in Kasese. Joined by
Michael Kiplangat, Supervisor of Mubuku Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Kasese
district, Walukamba emphasized the critical role forests play in sustaining
Uganda's tourism industry. "Our message today is simple: let’s conserve
and protect forests for sustainable tourism in Uganda," Walukamba urged,
calling for collective efforts to preserve natural resources for future
generations.
The event's theme, Tourism and Peace, highlighted
the link between environmental conservation and peaceful development. NFA Participates in HI SKOOL
CROSS FIRE Debate Finals
On September 30, the National Forestry Authority
(NFA) participated in the HI SKOOL CROSS FIRE DEBATE FINALS at
Lugogo Hockey Grounds, focusing on the theme of financial literacy and
dialogue. NFA Director of Plantations, Mr. Mwodi Martin, emphasized the
sustainable management of government forests and the importance of valuing
trees amid population growth. He urged students to invest in forestry for
future generations and pledged NFA's support in providing trees to schools,
highlighting their role in reducing carbon footprints.  Forestry support many things: NFA Ag Director Plantations Development at Lugogo stadium In your Range / District: Strengthening Community Participation in Forest
Management
Karamoja Range : The National Forestry Authority (NFA), in
partnership with USAID's Biodiversity for Resilience (B4R) project, held a
consultative meeting with stakeholders in Abim district to prepare for the
boundary opening of Ating and Kanu Central Forest Reserves (CFRs). Deputy RDC
Gilbert Okwii urged the community to view forests as allies, not enemies, and
respect their boundaries. NFA Karamoja Range Manager Bruno Okwir announced plans to plant 1,000
seedlings annually and highlighted tourism opportunities within the CFRs.
Stakeholders, including local leaders, agreed to collaborate on sustainable
forest management, aligning with Uganda’s goal of increasing forest cover to
24% by 2040. .jpg) Masaka Prepares for Forest
Boundary Re-opening
Sango Bay Range : The National Forestry Authority (NFA) team held a
successful stakeholders' sensitization meeting in Masaka to prepare for the
reopening of Jubiya, Kisasa, and Bukakata Central Forest Reserves (CFRs). Led
by Sector Manager Robert and Surveyor Lambert, the team emphasized the
importance of collaboration with local leaders to avoid conflicts. Discussions
focused on the survey timeline and sustainable forest management outcomes.
Local leaders pledged support and agreed to extend engagement to sub-county
authorities, ensuring community involvement. The initiative aims to promote
effective boundary management and enhance community benefits from forest reserves. .jpeg) NFA and Community Unite to
Protect Alungamosimosi Forest
Kyoga Range : NFA Teso Sector staff participated in a crucial
meeting convened by the Kapelebyong District Security Committee at the Office
of the Resident District Commissioner, addressing concerns about the Balalo
community. Indiscriminate grazing by the Balalo has severely undermined
tree-growing and forest restoration efforts in the Alungamosimosi Central
Forest Reserve. During the meeting, which included all local council leaders
and Balalo representatives, a unanimous resolution was reached: no further
grazing would be permitted in the reserve. The NFA staff and management were
commended for prioritizing dialogue over force, fostering a collaborative
approach to protect the forest and community interests. .jpg) Under stories
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