Efforts to Restore Forest Reserves in Kiboga and Kyankwanzi
The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has instructed farmers with gardens in forest reserves in the districts of Kiboga and Kyankwanzi to vacate the premises, making way for reforestation. Approximately 5,000 residents have established gardens within forest reserves, including Luwuunga, Taala, and Kikonda reserves in Kyankwanzi. These gardens primarily contain crops such as sweet potatoes, cassava, and beans.
Mr. Tom Obong Okello, the NFA executive director, emphasized that, aside from tree planting, no other activities are permitted in these forest reserves. He mentioned during a meeting with local leaders in Kiboga District that any non-tree elements in the forests are considered weeds and must be eradicated through spraying.
Furthermore, Mr. Okello cautioned that individuals who intend to plant trees in these forest reserves must seek guidance from NFA and obtain the necessary licenses.
Mr. Ivan Male, the Kiboga District assistant forest officer, revealed that a substantial portion of Luwuunga Forest Reserve, amounting to 27 square miles, has been designated for reforestation. Unfortunately, some of this land has been converted into gardens. He expressed the need for those encroaching on these areas to voluntarily vacate before facing forced eviction.
In a related development, Mr. Robert Yamani, the Kiboga District deputy speaker and councillor representing Nkandwa Sub-county, disclosed efforts to encourage cultivators to leave the forest reserves through multiple meetings. However, many remain reluctant to comply.
Mr. Yamani also voiced concerns about potential collusion between encroachers and some NFA staff to acquire land for cultivation within the forests. Such actions undermine the ongoing restoration efforts aimed at rehabilitating the damaged forests in the region.
Many of the recent encroachers in the Kiboga and Kyankwanzi forests had previously been evicted in 2007. Following their eviction, NFA contracted the New Forest Company to plant Eucalyptus and Pine trees in the area.
Kiboga and Kyankwanzi, situated in central Uganda, possess significant arable land and have long been the focal point of land disputes. These disputes involve citizens, the State, refugees, and hosting communities, creating complex challenges in the region.
