Over 8,000 hectares, out of the total 41,000 hectares of Bugoma Forest, have been affected by encroachment, according to a statement by National Forestry Authority (NFA) Kisindi sector manager, Alex Obonyo. The revelation was made on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, in Kikuube district.
During a visit to the area, Bunyoro affairs state minister Jennifer Namuyangu Kacha was informed by Obonyo that some encroachers claim the land was granted to them by the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, while others assert ownership with land titles. The most affected areas include Ngogoli, Kasenta, Nyairongo, and Mandwiga in Kyangwali and Kabwoya sub-counties in Kikuube district.
Expressing concern about the potential impact of climate change due to the continuous depletion of Bugoma Forest, Namuyangu emphasized the significance of preserving natural forests. She was surprised to learn that NFA officers had recently arrested a Catholic priest for cutting timbers inside the forest.
Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Amlan Tumusiime, part of the visit, raised awareness about individuals outside Bunyoro exploiting kingdom officers to issue illegal letters claiming kingdom land. Tumusiime affirmed their commitment to apprehend those found depleting the forest.
