Canopy News Letter

Issue : 006 November 2024

Published 12 times a year, the National Forestry Authority's (NFA) e-newsletter, The Canopy Newsletter, provides a comprehensive roundup of the month's top forestry news. It covers a wide range of topics, including forest reserves, rangers, forest lands, biomass, forest products, international forestry, innovation, and more.

NFA News

NFA Board Provides Strategic Guidance, Empowers Partners on Muzizi-Mwenge Visit

The National Forestry Authority (NFA) Board recently concluded a strategic visit to the Muzizi and Mwenge Ranges, including Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, and Bundibugyo districts, where they met with staff, local government officials, and inspected forest projects. The visit, led by NFA Board Chairman Eng. Dr. Christopher Ebal and Acting Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha, focused on strengthening partnerships and providing strategic guidance for forest conservation efforts.

Eng. Dr. Ebal emphasized the importance of collaboration with district authorities. "Our visit here underscores NFA’s commitment to empowering our partners and staff with the tools and knowledge to protect and restore forests. The bamboo project in Ntoroko and at Tooro preservation Gardens and other initiatives are critical in achieving this goal."

NFA Board members meet Kyegegwa district local government officials

Stuart Maniraguha highlighted the significance of the board’s hands-on approach. "Seeing the progress and engaging with local governments, like Kyegegwa’s Chairman John Kisoke Byamukama, has reaffirmed our dedication to supporting community-driven tree planting. We are committed to providing resources for sustainable forestry."

During a meeting with the Kyegegwa Security Committee, it was resolved that NFA would continue to support tree planting initiatives in the district, reinforcing a shared goal of environmental restoration and sustainable development.

NFA Board Visits Matiri CFM Group, Discusses Vocational Training Proposal

The NFA Board, led by Chairman Eng. Dr. Christopher Ebal, toured the Matiri Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) group in Kyenjojo. The group, known for its honey production through apiary activities adjacent to Matiri Central Forest Reserve (CFR), also engages in conservation efforts and raises awareness among local communities.

NFA Board and Matiri CFM Group Leadership meet in Kyenjojo

During the meeting, the group's Chairperson requested a vocational school to equip local youth with skills, aiming to reduce illegal activities in the forest. Dr. Ebal encouraged them to formally submit their proposal to the NFA for consideration.

NFA Engages Northern Uganda Leaders on Presidential Executive Order No. 3

Gulu, 8/11/2024
The National Forestry Authority (NFA) participated in a meeting chaired by Dr. Omona, Minister of State for Northern Uganda, to assess the implementation of Presidential Executive Order No. 3. Held at the OPM Gulu regional office, the meeting brought together RDCs, DISOs, and natural resources teams from West Acholi districts. NFA was commended for its proactive approach in enforcing the executive order, aimed at forest conservation and protection. Dr. Omona emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between government bodies to safeguard Uganda's natural resources.

Officials in Gulu watering a tree after Presidential Executive Order Discussions

NFA and DTB Launch Forest Restoration Drive in Masaka

Masaka, 9/11/2024
The National Forestry Authority (NFA), in partnership with Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), has launched a forest restoration drive at Kasonke Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Masaka. The initiative aims to restore 15 hectares of degraded forest. DTB’s Head of Corporate Banking, Kaziro Kyambadde, highlighted the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability. NFA’s PRO Juliet Mubi praised DTB for supporting forest restoration, a key area in achieving Uganda's Vision 2040 target of 24% forest cover. Local leaders called for boundary re-opening to combat encroachment.

DTB and NFA Officials restore Kasonke Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Masaka

Inspector General of Government Launches Investigation at NFA

Kampala, 10/11/2024
Inspector General of Government (IGG) Hon. Betty Kamya Turwomwe made an unannounced visit to the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to launch an investigation following public complaints. During the visit, she commended Acting Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha and his staff for their punctuality and maintaining a clean office environment. Maniraguha welcomed the IGG’s investigation, promising full cooperation from NFA staff. The IGG stressed the importance of fighting corruption and urged NFA employees to remain accountable and transparent in their roles.

NFA Participates in Wild Run for Lion Conservation

Queen Elizabeth National Park, 9/11/2024
NFA’s Communications Manager, Aldon Walukamba, joined the Wild Run event in Ishasha to raise awareness for lion conservation. The run, which had 5km to 50km options, attracted participants from Kampala and local communities. Walukamba emphasized the importance of trees in supporting wildlife and mitigating climate change. He urged the community to support NFA’s conservation efforts. The event highlighted the role of tree lions in the ecosystem and raised awareness about declining lion populations. Participants received medals, and community members were rewarded with 20 litre water cans.

Athletes take part in the 2024 Wild Run in Queen Elizabeth National park in Kanungu district

Sensitization Meeting on Forest Boundary Opening in Abim District

Abim, 18/11/2024
NFA and B4R (RTI) held a community sensitization meeting in Magamaga Sub-county, Kwoya Parish, to prepare for the boundary opening of Akur Central Forest Reserve (CFR). Local leaders and NFA officials emphasized the importance of protecting the forest from encroachment and fire hazards. NFA’s law enforcement supervisor, Alex Toskin, encouraged the community to form Forest Management groups and access free seedlings. The meeting fostered collaboration between local authorities, communities, and NFA to enhance forest protection and sustainable management practices.

NFA and Abim district security committees sensitize locals on forest boundary opening

Editorial News

Staying Focused as we Execute Our Mission at NFA

At the National Forestry Authority (NFA), our commitment to sustainable forest management remains unwavering. The recent visit by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) was a standard routine in line with their mandate to ensure transparency and accountability across public institutions. Such engagements are part of the IGG's role, and as NFA, we welcome their oversight, confident that our operations adhere to the highest standards.

As we approach the end of 2024, we remain dedicated to managing Uganda’s Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) effectively, continuing the critical work we do for environmental preservation. With the ongoing support and guidance of the Board and Senior Management Team, we are well-positioned to close the year on a strong note, delivering on our responsibilities while maintaining operational normalcy. Together, we look forward to ending 2024 on a positive note, staying focused on our mission to protect and conserve Uganda's forests for future generations.

Understories

Sustaining Uganda's forestry demand View more

Crafting a Greener Future: Sustainable Forest and Landscape Restoration Read more

Global Environmental Failure: National Interests Over Collective Action Read more

Events

Corporate Tree planting
IFPA-CD field visits
UNDP – NARIS Documentary production
Boundary opening exercises
Media and community advocacy activities in various ranges
Eco - Tourism promotions in Uganda
Production and sharing of End of year IECs
Visiting Partner Corporate entities

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