Police target Mabira Forest crime syndicates as 10 arrested over illegal logging
Suspects arrested for illegal forest activities in Mabira Central Forest Reserve paraded alongside recovered exhibits from their homes. PHOTO/MIKE SEBALU
What you need to know:
- Mabira Forest is one of the country's largest remaining rainforests.
- It plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, storing carbon, and supplying water to surrounding communities.
Authorities in Uganda have arrested 10 people in connection with illegal logging, timber trafficking, and charcoal production in Mabira Central Forest Reserve, a protected area increasingly targeted by environmental offenders.
The latest operation, conducted by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) enforcement team, follows the arrest of three other suspects last week, bringing the total number of apprehensions to 13 in just seven days.
The suspects were arrested in Bulengeza and Namulaba areas, where investigators uncovered extensive deforestation and illicit timber trade.
ALSO READ: We may lose Mabira Forest - NFA boss
James Mununa, NFA’s Coordinator of Enforcement, said the crackdown was critical in curbing forest destruction.
“Our team has made significant strides in stopping illegal activities in Mabira,” Mununa said. “We are committed to protecting this vital forest and ensuring that those involved in its destruction face justice,” he told Monitor on Sunday.
Following the arrests, police searched the homes of key suspects, seizing power saws, timber, fuel, tools, and large quantities of charcoal.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Francis Olugu, who also serves as the NFA’s police liaison officer, said the suspects will be charged under Uganda’s National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003) and the Penal Code Act for illegal possession of forest products and conspiracy to commit felonies.
Among the arrested suspects are Okech James, Mugabo Twalik, Mutabazi John, Lubega Ibrahim, Motabi Hamza, and Nsubuga Charles. Others include Keleto Jingo, Sebufu Edrisa, Musigura Nkoge Monday, and Atanasi Moses.
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Aldon Walukamba, the NFA’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, said at least two of the suspects—Twalik Mugabo and Edrisa Sebufu—were repeat offenders who had previously served jail time for similar crimes.
“They had already served sentences for illegal logging, but they resumed operations within the same Central Forest Reserve,” Walukamba said.
Some of the items that were impounded by Ugandan authorities during a crackdown on illegal logging in Mabira Forest reserve.
Walukamba also revealed that authorities are now tracking the financiers behind illegal deforestation, including businessmen, politicians, and government officials suspected of sponsoring these operations.
“These individuals are not acting alone,” Walukamba added.
“The people we arrested are just foot soldiers. We are now targeting those funding these activities, and they will be brought to justice.”
Protecting Mabira Forest
Mabira Forest is one of the country's largest remaining rainforests. It plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, storing carbon, and supplying water to surrounding communities.
Illegal logging and charcoal production remain major threats to Uganda’s forests, with environmentalists warning that continued deforestation could worsen climate change, increase land degradation, and disrupt local livelihoods.
Authorities have offered to intensify surveillance and enforcement to curb forest crimes across the country.
