Lack of forest regulations fuelling encroachment, say activists

Kampala- A group of civil society activists yesterday asked government to expedite the gazettement of the forest regulations if they are to enforce protection of the natural resource.

The activists under the Black Monday Movement told journalists that rampant encroachment of the central forest reserves in the country has been attributed to lack of forest regulations
“There are laws in place but we still have people like a former minister who heads a committee in Parliament listed among those owning land in a forest reserve and even a church.

This is absurd and a sign of impunity that calls for government action against those implicated,” said Ms Cissy Kagaba, the executive director of the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU).

Forestry is one of the country’s sectors contributing about 3.4 per cent annually to the GDP and ecosystem services. However, reports indicate that despite making a big contribution towards survival of peoples’ livelihoods, the country loses about 90,000 hectares of forest cover every year.

Ms Kagaba asked government to take stern action against forestry staff and those implicated in corruption as a sign of fulfilling the commitment towards protecting the environment for development.

THE FACTS

Uganda consumes an estimated 1.2-1.5 million cubic meters (m3) of round wood per year worth Shs101 billion. 360,000m3 is produced in Uganda and the balance of 9,000m3 is imported.

Natural forest cover reduced from 1.47 million ha (47.3%) in 1990 to 1.28 million ha (41.2%) in 2005; a difference of 192,000 ha.

The current deforestation rate of natural forests about 92,000 Ha per

annum of which 10,000 ha is in protected areas. This is attributed to encroachment for agriculture in PA’s, land use change in private forests and unsustainable harvesting of forest products.
Uganda imports 8,700m3 while Rwanda imports 7,000 m3 and Burundi’s 1,000m3.

[email protected]