The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has condemned recent remarks by Hon. Sam Mayanja, State Minister for Lands, for inciting communities to encroach on protected forest land. During a visit to South Busoga Central Forest Reserve (CFR) in Mayuge District on January 12, 2025, Hon. Mayanja publicly encouraged locals to settle in the reserve, a move that is contrary to Uganda’s laws.

Aldon Walukamba, NFA’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, emphasized that “South Busoga Central Forest Reserve remains a gazetted forest reserve under Statutory Instrument No. 63 of 1998 and has been protected since 1932.” The reserve, covering 16,382 hectares, plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem around Lake Victoria and supporting the livelihoods of surrounding communities.

This is not the first such incident involving Hon. Mayanja. In March 2024, he attempted to incite locals to invade Bajo Central Forest Reserve in Kayunga District, but law enforcement authorities successfully halted the attempt. However, his continued actions undermine the government’s strategic goal of increasing Uganda’s forest cover to 24% by 2040.

The NFA reassures Ugandans that degazettement procedures are clearly outlined under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act (2003), and any attempts to allocate forest land without following legal procedures are illegal. In response, the NFA has submitted erroneously issued land titles on South Busoga CFR for cancellation to the Ministry of Lands.

“NFA remains steadfast in protecting Uganda’s forest reserves. We have opened and demarcated boundaries of these reserves and continue to engage neighboring communities in income-generating activities under the Collaborative Forest Management strategy. However, settling in Central Forest Reserves remains prohibited,” Walukamba stated.

In response to Hon. Mayanja’s actions, Walukamba called on Ugandans not to be misled by incitements that jeopardize national environmental conservation efforts.

“We must all support the government’s strategic goals for forest conservation, which are critical to Uganda’s long-term sustainability,” he added.

The NFA reiterates its mandate to defend and preserve Uganda’s forests as part of its commitment to sustainable resource use, environmental protection, and rural development. Walukamba concluded, “We will take all necessary measures to protect the integrity of Uganda’s 506 central forest reserves, ensuring their contribution to national economic growth and climate resilience.”