Canopy News Letter
Issue : 013 June 2025
1.
NFA Board Retreat Boosts Governance and Performance
"Effective governance drives forest conservation outcomes."
2. NFA Celebrates World Environment
Day in Kabale
"Forests are nature’s solution to pollution and climate risks."
3. 2025 Elgon Marathon Launched to
Restore Forests
"This marathon is not only about ecosystems, but the people."
4. Key Suspect Arrested Over Mabira
Forest Destruction
"We will hold all perpetrators of environmental crimes accountable."
5. Eleven Remanded Over Mt. Kei
Forest Crimes
"Forest laws must be enforced regardless of status."
NFA Board Retreat Boosts Governance and Performance
NFA held a Board Performance Evaluation Retreat facilitated by BoU Governor
Emeritus Leo Kibirango. The retreat assessed board effectiveness, strategic
planning, and transparency. It comes amid NFA’s efforts to strengthen
leadership and boost forest restoration. Kibirango guided discussions on
institutional reform and accountability. The board committed to actionable
governance strategies aligned with NFA’s environmental mission. The retreat
reinforces NFA’s vision to lead in sustainable forestry. Performance benchmarks
were set for better oversight and responsiveness to national forestry
challenges.
 |
| NFA Board members and Governor Emeritus Leo Kibirango at Speke Resort Munyonyo |
2025 Elgon Marathon Launched to Restore Forests
 |
| NFA Ag. ED Stuart Maniraguha addressing dignitories at UNDP Offices in Kampala |
The 2025 Elgon Marathon was launched to champion forest restoration, public health, and unity. Organized by the Joshua Cheptegei Foundation with support from UNDP and NFA, the event promotes sustainable practices in the Elgon region. NFA’s Stuart Maniraguha noted the marathon’s role in restoring degraded landscapes. The region faces challenges from unsustainable farming. Cheptegei emphasized the power of sport in community cohesion. Participants will engage in planting and awareness campaigns. The marathon merges athletics, climate action, and local empowerment.
Key Suspect Arrested Over Mabira Forest Destruction
The NFA enforcement team has arrested Sam, a key suspect linked to illegal
logging and land encroachment in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. The arrest
followed intelligence-led operations aimed at stopping ongoing degradation in
one of Uganda’s largest natural forests. NFA has vowed to intensify operations
against forest crimes and hold culprits accountable. The Authority calls on the
public to report suspicious activity and support forest conservation. Mabira
remains under threat despite continuous monitoring. This arrest marks a turning
point in NFA’s crackdown on illegal exploitation of protected areas.
 |
| Ssensalire Sam after being grounded in the night of his arrest by joint security and NFA enforcement |
Eleven Arested and Remanded Over Mt. Kei Forest Crimes
Eleven individuals, including Midigo Town Council’s LCIII Chairperson, were
remanded to Luzira Prison over illegal activities in Mt. Kei Central Forest
Reserve. Charges include illegal grazing, logging, and charcoal burning. The
suspects were arrested during a June 14 inspection by NFA's law enforcement
team. The Authority stressed that no individual is above the law. This
operation supports NFA's broader strategy to restore degraded forests.
Investigations continue as suspects await court. NFA urges communities to
desist from encroachment and partner in forest protection for long-term
ecological sustainability.
Eight
Arrested for Kagombe Forest Encroachment
Eight suspects were arrested for illegal forest clearance in Kagombe Central
Forest Reserve, Kibaale. Registered under CRBs 279 and 280/2025, the suspects
were found cultivating protected forest land and transferred to Kampala for
further investigation. NFA condemned the act, emphasizing its threat to
Uganda’s forest cover and biodiversity. The Authority reaffirmed commitment to
restoring degraded forest landscapes under the Tree Planting Act. Kagombe is
among reserves facing pressure from farming and logging. Communities are
encouraged to report illegal activities and support NFA’s conservation efforts.
 |
| Key suspects arrests inside Kagombe CFR in Kibaale district |
Environmental
Champions Rally at Run for Climate
Tree Adoption Uganda hosted the 2025 Run for Climate in Kampala, flagged off by
NFA Ag. ED Stuart Maniraguha. The marathon drew hundreds to support climate
action and tree planting. Maniraguha emphasized collective responsibility in
ecosystem restoration. Stanbic Bank and other partners participated,
reaffirming their sustainability goals. Ministry of Water & Environment
officials praised the collaborative spirit. A tree planting session symbolized
the event’s mission. NFA called for active citizen involvement in combating
climate change. The event concluded with pledges to support Uganda’s green
future.
 |
| Leading by Example: NFA Ag ED Stuart Maniraguha with team at the Run 4 Climate 2025 |
NFA
Celebrates World Environment Day in Kabale
NFA actively joined World Environment Day celebrations in Kabale under the
theme "Beat Plastic Pollution." Led by Ag. ED Stuart Maniraguha, the
Authority showcased initiatives promoting forest conservation and waste
reduction. The team engaged local communities in discussions on eco-friendly
practices, tree planting, and sustainable forest use. NFA highlighted the link
between forest health and clean environments. The event united agencies and
citizens around Uganda’s environmental goals. NFA reaffirmed its leadership in
environmental protection and called for nationwide action on plastic waste and
deforestation.
 |
| NFA - NEMA's ED's at a Tree planting session in Kabale WED 2025 |
NFA, DTB
Launch Forest Restoration in Kayunga
NFA and Diamond Trust Bank launched the restoration of 19 hectares in
Namawanyi-Namananga CFR, Kayunga. DTB pledged to restore 100,000 hectares
across Uganda and has invested UGX 90 million. NFA's Juliet Mubi applauded
DTB’s support, emphasizing public-private partnerships to raise forest cover to
24%. Community members will be allowed to collect firewood weekly. Sector
Manager Jonas Ogen highlighted the site’s strategic importance to development.
Local leaders pledged community mobilization. The initiative showcases
corporate commitment to climate resilience and the restoration of degraded
landscapes.
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| Juliet Mubi Kamuli NFA PRO joins DTB Bank officials at a restoration activity in Kayunga district |
NFA
Launches 19 Community Forest Agreements
The Acting ED of NFA launched 19 Collaborative Forest Management (CFM)
agreements under the IFPA-CD Project. Partnering with WWF and KCSON, the event
in Kyenjojo brought together six CFM groups surrounding Kagombe, Kibego, and
other reserves. These agreements empower communities to manage forests while
benefiting from sustainable use. Opportunities include eco-tourism, non-timber
products, and agroforestry. NFA emphasized community participation in
conservation. The initiative ensures environmental protection alongside
livelihood enhancement. The ceremony showcased inclusive forest governance in
Uganda’s protected areas.
 |
| Ag ED Stuart Maniraguha exchanges signed pacts for forest management collaborations |
820ha
Enrichment Planting Inspected in Bugoma, Budongo
NFA inspected 820 hectares of enrichment planting in Bugoma and Budongo CFRs
under the World Bank-funded IFPA-CD project. Led by Range Manager Boaz
Basigirenda, the team reviewed progress in Hanga Beat and Nyakarongo forests.
The mission assessed survival rates of indigenous trees and ensured compliance
with restoration targets. The initiative boosts climate resilience and
sustainable land use. The inspection reflects NFA’s commitment to
evidence-based management. Local staff, sector managers, and forest supervisors
joined the mission to support ecosystem recovery.
 |
| NFA - Budongo Systems Range management inspect recently planted trees |
NFA
Participates in 31st Empango Cultural Run
NFA took part in the 31st Empango Run in Hoima, celebrating the Omukama of
Bunyoro’s coronation anniversary. The Authority sponsored and joined the run,
promoting environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. CPR Manager Aldon
Walukamba urged locals to plant trees and avoid encroachment. Budongo Range
Manager Boaz Basigirenda called for responsible forest use. The run emphasized
unity, cultural identity, and forest conservation. NFA used the event to raise
awareness on climate regulation and eco-tourism. The Kingdom’s cultural events
continue to offer platforms for conservation advocacy.
 |
| NFA Empango Run 2025 team parades for the event at Bunyoro - Kitara Kingdom offices |
NFA
Strengthens Cultural Ties at Empango Festival
At the 31st Empango celebration in Masindi, NFA reinforced ties with the
Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. Led by Legal Director Moses Muhumuza, the delegation
engaged in cultural festivities, including the Empango Run. NFA contributed UGX
5 million to support the Kingdom’s event. The engagement highlights shared
goals in conservation and community empowerment. Budongo Range officials also
participated. Mr. Muhumuza noted that forest governance must integrate cultural
identity. The Authority pledged continued collaboration with traditional
institutions to safeguard Uganda’s natural heritage.
 |
| NFA Director Legal and Corporate Affairs Moses Muhumuza and team at the Empango celebrations in Hoima |
NFA
Launches Driving Refresher Training for Staff
NFA launched a refresher driving course for its Transport Assistants in
Kampala, aiming to improve road safety and efficiency. Ag. ED Stuart Maniraguha
emphasized safe driving, vehicle maintenance, and professionalism. Trainers
from the Automobile Association taught best practices, road sign
interpretation, and communication protocols. Admin Officer Lemo Ronald urged
adherence to policy. The training supports operational excellence and staff
development. NFA continues investing in skills to enhance its internal
capacity. Safety and discipline remain central to the Authority’s values.
 |
| NFA Administration Officer Ronald Lemo addresses Transport Assistants |
Editorial News
Governance
for Growth—Why the NFA Board Retreat Sets the Right Tone for the Next Five Years
The recent National Forestry
Authority (NFA) Board Performance Evaluation Retreat, expertly facilitated by
Bank of Uganda Governor Emeritus Leo Kibirango, marks a pivotal moment in
strengthening the Authority’s leadership and governance. This retreat was not
merely a routine exercise but a vital step toward improving governance,
accountability, and strategic execution key pillars for NFA’s success over the
next five years.
Uganda
faces increasing deforestation, degraded forests, and climate challenges. To
respond effectively, institutions like NFA must elevate governance to match
these demands. By reflecting on its performance, identifying gaps, and
realigning its strategy, the NFA Board demonstrated institutional maturity and
a forward-looking vision many organizations aspire to.
Aldon
Walukamba, Editor and Communications Manager, NFA notes that Governor Kibirango’s
guidance reinforced that strong institutions rely not only on technical skills
but also on ethical governance, transparency, and adaptability. For NFA, this
means making data-driven, inclusive, and sustainable decisions rather than
short-term fixes.
This renewed governance focus
will accelerate NFA’s five-year goals: raising forest cover to 24%, empowering
community forest management groups, and fostering public-private partnerships.
A more agile and accountable board will also enhance oversight of flagship
projects like IFPA-CD and ecosystem restoration, while boosting staff morale
and operational efficiency.
Most
importantly, this retreat signals to the public, donors, and partners that NFA
is committed to responsibly managing Uganda’s forests and public trust. If
sustained, this governance culture will transform Uganda’s forests from a
challenge into a success story by 2030.
Understories
21 Arrested Over Destruction of 40
Hectares in Bugoma Forest Reserve Read more
Five Arrested for Illegal Charcoal
Burning in Mabira Forest Read more
- Boundary opening activities
- Community engagements in Muzizi and Lakeshore Ranges
- Community tree planting events
- NFA strategic plan 2025-2030 launch
- Media and community advocacy activities in various ranges
- Visiting Partner Corporate entities
Thank you for reading
1.
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