By THE OBSERVER UG
Environmental activists are urging the government to release the boundary opening report for Bugoma Central Forest Reserve in the Hoima and Kikuube districts.
In 2019, the cabinet directed the Ministry of Water and Environment to open the boundaries of Bugoma Forest to address the ongoing land disputes. The goal was to determine whether the land leased to Hoima Sugar Limited by the Bunyoro Kingdom in 2016 is within or outside the forest reserve, safeguarding Bugoma from illegal and future encroachments.
The Ministry of Lands completed the survey process of opening the forest boundaries in August 2022. However, over a year later, the survey report has not been released.
Activists argue that the delay in releasing the report has led to ongoing encroachment and degradation of Bugoma Forest, hindering conservation efforts.
Anthony Wolimbwa, the national coordinator for Climate Action Network, emphasized the report’s importance in resolving land conflicts, clarifying resource ownership, and establishing the exact forest boundaries. Without the report, he warns that the current encroachment and degradation of the forest are likely to persist.
Wolimbwa stated, “We need the government to come clean on that and share that report with the public because it is supposed to be a public document. Any further delays are not good from the conservation point of view, as this is likely to escalate the encroachment, land conflicts, and overall degradation of the forest.”
Christine Nakimwero Kaaya, the woman member of parliament for the Kiboga district and a conservationist, highlighted the report’s significance, especially concerning oil activities in the Bunyoro sub-region. The forest reserves in Bunyoro are crucial for absorbing emissions generated by oil activities.
Kaaya explained, “Without this report, it is difficult for the country to do negotiations and bargaining in carbon trade because we don’t know the exact boundaries and acreage of this forest reserve.”
She also pointed out that individuals who illegally encroached on the forest are pushing to formalize their stay. These individuals are attempting to convert Bugoma and Budongo forest reserves into national parks under the eco-tourism concept, potentially neglecting environmental conservation.
The release of the report was a concern during the last budgetary allocation discussions, and Kaaya indicated that it will be raised again in the upcoming budget allocation process.
Juliet Mubi, the spokesperson for the National Forestry Authority (NFA), stated that since the Ministry of Lands conducted the boundary opening, it is responsible for releasing the report. However, she expressed frustration, noting that despite assurances, the report has not been released.
Minister of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Judith Nabakooba, confirmed that the report was completed by her ministry and submitted to the Ministry of Water and Environment. The latter will present it to the cabinet for discussion and determine the next course of action.
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