Canopy News Letter
Stuart Maniraguha Succeeded Tom Obong Okello at NFA
Kampala, Uganda — July 8, 2024: Stuart Maniraguha has officially taken over as the Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), succeeding Tom Obong Okello after his six-year tenure. The handover ceremony was attended by NFA Board members and staff nationwide.
Reflecting on his time in office, Okello remarked, "It has been an incredible journey. The success we’ve seen is not mine alone but a collective effort from the entire NFA team." Under his leadership, the NFA saw improvements in forest reserve management, increased tree planting, and better staff welfare.
Maniraguha, now Acting Executive Director for six months, praised Okello's accomplishments and pledged to continue his efforts. "I am honored to step into this role. With the support of the NFA team, I am confident we will maintain the positive momentum."
Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to Uganda’s forests and sustainable development.
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| Ag ED Stuart Maniraguha receives tools from Mr Tom Ebong Okello NFA Evicts Land
Grabbers, Protects Forest Reserves
The
National Forestry Authority (NFA) has successfully protected forest land,
cancelling 703 illegal land titles in Central Forest Reserves. Recent actions
include halting illegal earth-moving equipment in the Buto-Buvuma ecosystem,
where land grabbers attempted to clear forest land for dumping. NFA’s Acting
Executive Director, Stuart Maniraguha, emphasized the authority's ongoing
efforts to combat illegal land claims and encroachment, particularly in eight
central Uganda districts. The NFA is collaborating with the Ministry of Lands
to cancel these titles and secure forest boundaries.
NFA Board's Strategic Oversight Strengthens Forest Management The National Forestry Authority (NFA) Board, led by Chairman Eng. Dr. Christopher Ebal, undertook a strategic visit to the Kyoga and Karamoja Ranges to provide governance oversight and assess conservation efforts. Accompanied by Acting Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha and other board members, the tour included key sites such as the Moroto Central Forest Reserve (CFR), Subterra Rock Quarry in Bulambuli district, and the Mutooto cultural site in Mbale CFR. The Board engaged local management teams and evaluated sustainable land-use practices. Their visit reflects the Board's commitment to ensuring effective oversight of NFA’s strategic goals and aligning forest management with broader national objectives. In Western Uganda, the Board visited Muzizi and Mwenge plantations, met with Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa district officials, and assessed projects like Oruha and Rwenzori CFR's, Tooro Botanical Gardens and the Bamboo initiative in Ntoroko. These engagements will inform future conservation strategies and strengthen collaboration with local governments.
Field Assessment on Combating Deforestation and Forest Crime in Uganda
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
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 NFA Strengthens Partnerships for Forest Restoration and Protection
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
Editorial News: A Call to Action as NFA Rises to Protect Uganda’s
Forest Reserves in 2025 As we usher in 2025, the National Forestry
Authority (NFA) has made remarkable strides in protecting Uganda’s forests. The
cancellation of 703 illegal land titles in Central Forest Reserves and halting
illegal activities in places like the Buto-Buvuma ecosystem are commendable
actions that demonstrate the NFA's commitment to its mandate. These successes,
however, are just the beginning of a much larger mission: the protection of all
506 forest reserves across Uganda. As the NFA continues its collaboration with the
Ministry of Lands to secure boundaries and nullify illegal titles, we must
recognize that the task ahead requires the unwavering commitment of every staff
member and stakeholder. The challenges posed by land encroachment and illegal
land claims will persist, but they can be surmounted with a collective effort. We call upon all NFA staff, stakeholders, and
partners to rally behind this cause. The year 2025 presents an opportunity to
intensify our efforts to safeguard the nation’s forests, which are vital to our
ecological balance, biodiversity, and climate resilience. By working together,
we can ensure that Uganda’s forests remain a legacy for future generations,
fulfilling our mandate to protect and sustainably manage these critical natural
resources.
Now, more than ever, action is required. Let us
stand united in the fight against illegal land grabbing and encroachment, and
together, secure the future of Uganda’s forest reserves. In your Range / District: 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.
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.
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." 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.
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.
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. UPCOMING EVENTS:
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This is an interesting read. Well done NFA team.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words! We appreciate your support and encouragement. The NFA team remains committed to conserving and managing our forests for the benefit of all. Stay tuned for more updates!
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