Bugoma Forest Boundary Report Still Undisclosed: MP Calls for Transparency

Maureen Atuhaire

A Member of Parliament is calling for the public release of the boundary opening report for Bugoma Central Forest Reserve in the Midwestern region of Uganda. In August 2022, the government, through the Ministry of Lands, concluded the process of reopening the forest reserve’s boundary in Hoima and Kikuube districts. However, concerns have been raised by activists who claim that, despite the completion of the survey exercise over a year ago, the report has not been made public, and the destruction of the reserve continues.

Kiboga District Woman Member of Parliament and conservationist, Ms. Christine Kaaya, emphasized the presence of illegal occupants in the forest and stressed the importance of conducting a survey and releasing the boundary opening report. Ms. Kaaya expressed concerns about potential bribery, influence on the report, and the harmonization process among different surveyors and stakeholders.




According to Ms. Kaaya, protecting Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is crucial for absorbing emissions from the oil area. She raised concerns about the discriminatory enforcement of laws, stating that influential individuals involved in the Bugoma forest dispute often evade the impact of presidential directives. Ms. Kaaya called for the immediate release of the survey report, with harmonization to be addressed later.




Mr. Dennis Obbo, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Lands, confirmed the completion of the survey exercise and stated that they are awaiting guidance from the cabinet on the next steps. He mentioned that the survey was conducted in response to a cabinet directive, and the ministry has submitted the report and a cabinet memo.




The background of the issue dates back to 2019 when Cabinet issued a directive to open the boundaries of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve amid a land dispute controversy. The National Forest Authority (NFA) officials indicated that the move aimed to resolve a protracted dispute pending before the Court of Appeal. The boundary opening process started in November 2021 and was concluded by the Ministry of Lands in August 2022.

When contacted, Ms. Juliet Mubi, the NFA spokesperson, did not provide further details on the matter.

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