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Hoima deputy RDC Michael Kyakashari. Courtesy Photo
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Close to 310 acres of Bujawe forest reserve which is a catchment area for River Wamababya in Kayera village Buseruka Sub County Hoima district have been depleted by people for tobacco, cereal growing and charcoal burning activities.
During a visit by Hoima deputy resident district commissioner Michael Kyakashari, he was shocked to find what used to be a forest is apparently an open garden plantation of Maize, beans, tobacco and charcoal burning zone.
Kyakashari says it is very unfortunate that the forest reserve which covers 50 square kilometres has so far been depleted with the clearing still ongoing.
He recalls that two months ago, it was hard for them to penetrate the forest but has been turned into an open place in such a shortest period of time.
‘’There is a clear view even when one is in a far distance and this portrays how serious human activities are continuing to spread in what would be restricted areas’’. Said Kyakashari
The Hoima district natural resources officer, Joseline Nyangoma said they did not know that such was taking place.
She affirmed that she will bring all the relevant stakeholders including the district executive to see and appreciate the extent of damage.
Kabalega Power station at risk
Bujawe forest reserve serves as a catchment for river Wambabya where Kabalega dam is built thus its extinction may affect the operations of the dam.
Kabalega dam is located in Buseruka sub-county across River Wambabya and it generates a 9MW hydroelectric power.
The power station is located in Buseruka Village, close to the eastern shores of Lake Albert.
This means that the presence of the power station has largely depended on the existence of the forest reserve, being the catchment for River Wambabya on which the dam that generates power is built.
What you should know
Kabalega Power station, at the beginning of planning and during construction was referred to as Buseruka power station but was renamed after completion.
Construction, which started in 2005, was completed in January 2013 and was commissioned by the president of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 26 January 2013.
