Canopy News Letter
Issue : 011 April 2025
In Summary:
- Gov’t Launches Tree Planting at Mulago
Hospital – National
government-led, ties environment to healthcare.
- NFA, UNODC Forge Partnership – to Curb Forest Crime
- Centenary Bank and NFA Tree Partnership – Major corporate partnership with strong
funding and long-term goals.
- Uganda Baati and NFA Progress Review – Public-private sector collaboration with existing results and future planning.
- Four
Arrested in Muhangi Forest – Over
Illegal Charcoal Burning
NFA Delivers Gains in Forest Restoration, Protection, and Seedling Supply
In the last five years
(2021–2025), the National Forestry Authority (NFA) has registered remarkable
strides in forest protection, restoration, and community engagement,
positioning itself as a strategic player in Uganda’s environmental conservation
efforts.
Notably, 1,193,345
hectares—representing 94% of all 506 Central Forest Reserves (CFRs)—were
successfully protected from illegal activities across all 17 management areas.
Additionally, over 41,000 hectares of degraded CFRs have been restored,
achieving 86% of the national target.
Seedling production and
supply surpassed expectations with 61 million seedlings distributed—exceeding
the five-year target by 2%. These efforts were made possible through 32
regional nurseries and partnerships with development agencies.
NFA also empowered over
5,000 households through 85 Collaborative Forest Management (CFM) groups,
promoting beekeeping, briquette making, and nursery management.
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NFA Management awarded in 2025 for sustainably managing Uganda's Central Forest Reserves |
“These results reflect our firm commitment to restoring Uganda’s forest cover and strengthening sustainable forest management,” said Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, Acting Executive Director of NFA.
NFA, UNODC Forge Partnership to Curb Forest Crime
Kampala, Uganda – The Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Mr. Stuart Maniraguha, met with UNODC Country Director Ms. Sharon Nyambe to strengthen efforts against forest crimes in Uganda.
Held at NFA headquarters, the meeting focused on intelligence sharing, enforcement training, and joint action to curb illegal logging and encroachment.
“The degradation of our forests is not just an environmental issue—it’s a security and development challenge,” Mr. Maniraguha said.
Ms. Nyambe reaffirmed UNODC’s support: “We recognize NFA’s critical role and are committed to practical solutions for long-term forest protection.”
Government Launches Tree Planting Drive at Mulago Hospital
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In suit: Ag Director Plantation Development joins Mulago National Refferal Hospital Staff in tree planting |
Centenary Bank and NFA Partner to Restore Forests
in Masindi District
Kampala – Centenary Bank and the National Forestry Authority (NFA) have
launched a three-year partnership to restore Masindi’s forest cover. NFA ED
Stuart Maniraguha thanked the bank for aligning with national conservation
goals, warning that forest degradation cannot be ignored. “The forest cover
once stood at 24% in 1990 and dropped to 9%. We must reverse this,” he said.
Bank MD Fabian Kasi committed UGX 60 million and pledged to grow—not just
plant—trees. “This is about lifelong stewardship,” he noted. The partnership
will focus on tree survival and improving community livelihoods to reduce
pressure on forests.
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Centenary Bank MD. Fabian Kasi and Ag. ED NFA share signed agreements for Masindi Forest Reserve Uganda Baati, NFA Reaffirm Commitment to Forest Restoration in Uganda |
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NFA - Uganda BAATI officials after the strategic partnership meeting |
Kampala – Uganda Baati and the National Forestry Authority (NFA) reviewed their forest restoration progress in a strategic meeting. NFA Ag. ED Stuart Maniraguha emphasized integrating community livelihoods in restoration efforts, while Uganda Baati CEO George Arodi reaffirmed environmental responsibility as a core value. “This is not just tree planting—it’s about restoring balance,” Arodi said. With projects in Mubuku, Namatale, Bajjo, and Enzeva CFRs, the partnership reports over 75% tree survival rates. Both parties plan a joint communication strategy and community outreach programs like beekeeping and energy-saving stoves to ensure long-term conservation. NFA Range News Four
Arrested in Muhangi Forest Over Illegal Charcoal Burning
The National Forestry
Authority (NFA) Itwara Sector team arrested four notorious charcoal burners in
Muhangi Central Forest Reserve on April 18, 2025. The suspects—Ahikirige
Wilfred Tarzan, Maniragaba Feresia, Owyesigire Amon, and Musagara Richard—were
found illegally cutting trees for charcoal production. They are currently
detained at Katwe Police Station pending prosecution. The arrests follow
heightened forest patrols by NFA to curb illegal activities threatening forest
conservation efforts. NFA Itwara officials have reaffirmed their commitment to
enforcing the law and protecting forest reserves from encroachers and
commercial charcoal dealers. The suspects are arraigned at the scene of crime in a photogrgh below. Editorial News Community-Led
Action Boosts Crackdown on Forest Crime in Mabira, West Bugwe, Muzizi, and
Sango Bay In a
growing wave of environmental vigilance, communities neighboring Mabira, West
Bugwe, Muzizi, and Sango Bay Central Forest Reserves have joined forces with
the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to confront illegal forest activities
head-on. Over the last two months, local leaders and vigilant residents have
tipped off NFA teams, leading to dozens of arrests and the recovery of
illegally harvested timber and charcoal kilns. This
community-led movement is transforming forest protection, with NFA officials in
Mabira lauding residents of Najjembe and Kalagala for exposing illegal pit
sawyers. Similar cooperation in West Bugwe and Muzizi led to the impounding of
trucks transporting illicit forest produce. In Sango Bay, village patrols
worked alongside NFA rangers to dismantle an encroachment ring clearing forest
land for sugarcane. According
to articles published by various media houses and journalists, Aldon Walukamba,
Editor of this Canopy News Letter notes that, this renewed collaboration is
creating real impact. “The fight to protect our forests cannot succeed without
the people,” Walukamba said, while praising grassroots vigilance as the missing
link in effective forest governance.
With forest crimes driven by commercial interests and population pressure, the rising tide of community involvement offers a hopeful model for sustainable conservation across Uganda. Understories Uganda losing 122,000 hectares of forest cover annually Read moreCentenary Bank, NFA Partner to Restore 20 Hectares in Masindi Read moreUpcoming Events:
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