Rwamuchakara is not a forest reserve

Secondly, the said land was under the Kasese District Land Board until recently when KADEA, a farmers organisation, through proper and clear channels, acquired it.

In the Daily Monitor of January 2 there was an article entitled a “Farmers clear forest reserve to grow coffee”. I would like to put it clearly that that land has never been a gazetted forest reserve under the forestry department or under UWA.

Secondly, the said land was under the Kasese District Land Board until recently when KADEA, a farmers organisation, through proper and clear channels, acquired it.

Thirdly, yes we have planted coffee on this land but even as we do this, we observe the importance of trees. The reason we are planting species like Albezia, Musizi,Prunus Africana is to preserve other important tree species found on the land. Besides, coffee is also a tree.

We, therefore, should not be looked at as people clearing land to only grow coffee.

Lastly, stop prophesying doom instead, let us join hands and develop Rwamuchakara.

John Tinkamanyire,
tinkamanyirejohn@yahoo.com