Canopy News Letter


 Issue : 011                                                                                                              April  2025


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.


National Forestry Authority News 

In Summary:

  1. Gov’t Launches Tree Planting at Mulago Hospital – National government-led, ties environment to healthcare.
  2. NFA, UNODC Forge Partnership  –  to Curb Forest Crime
  3. Centenary Bank and NFA Tree Partnership – Major corporate partnership with strong funding and long-term goals.
  4. Uganda Baati and NFA Progress Review – Public-private sector collaboration with existing results and future planning.
  5. 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.

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 

In suit: Ag Director Plantation Development joins Mulago National Refferal Hospital Staff in tree planting

Kampala – The Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and KCCA, launched a tree planting initiative at Mulago Hospital on April 9. Represented by Ag. Director Plantations Development Mr. Mwodi Martin Kegere.

Hon. Beatrice Anywar Stae Minister for Environment urged Ugandans to act on climate issues. “Let today’s planting remind us that the environment is our shared responsibility,” she said. The initiative will plant 400 trees to enhance patient recovery, provide shade, and improve nutrition. NFA’s Mwodi Martin Kegere said integrating nature into healthcare is vital. KCCA welcomed the move, aligning with their green city plans. The rollout will extend to other health facilities.

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.

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

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 more 

Centenary Bank, NFA Partner to Restore 20 Hectares in Masindi Read more




Upcoming Events:
  • Boundary opening activities
  • Community tree planting events
  • NFA  support to 31st Empango 
  • Corporate Tree planting
  • Media and community advocacy activities in various ranges
  • Visiting Partner Corporate entities 



 Thank you for reading

 




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