500 encroachers face eviction from forest reserve

Mr Robert Owinyi, the sector manager for Kisindi Central Forest Reserve, said most of the encroachers have lived on the gazetted reserve for more than 30 years.

More than 500 people living in Kasongoire Central Forest Reserve in Kyabigambire Sub-county in Hoima District face eviction following a recommendation by the National Forestry Authority and the environmental police.

Mr Robert Owinyi, the sector manager for Kisindi Central Forest Reserve, said most of the encroachers have lived on the gazetted reserve for more than 30 years.
The once impenetrable 3,069 hectare-piece of forest land has been cleared for settlement, timber, charcoal burning and agriculture.

Mr Owinyi alleges that some local leaders portioned a section of the reserve to some residents knowing that it is a gazetted area.

However, the LC3 chairperson of Kyabigambire, Mr Geoffrey Barugahara, denied the allegations, saying no locals were allowed to settle there.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com