Written By | BK Mugizi
The Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Stuart Maniraguha
Search
BUSHENYI
The Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Stuart Maniraguha, has called on communities living near forest reserves to work closely with forestry officials to protect and conserve Uganda's natural forests for future generations.
Speaking at the close of a three-day orientation workshop for Forest Reserve Management Committees of Kariju and Kasyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserves at Hotel Meridian in Bushenyi Town on Friday, Maniraguha warned that continued illegal activities pose a serious threat to the country's indigenous forests.
"Our forests cannot survive on government efforts alone. Communities living around these reserves must become active partners in conservation because if illegal encroachment, logging, and forest degradation continue unchecked, Uganda risks losing its remaining natural forests," Maniraguha said.
He urged committee members to serve as ambassadors for conservation by strengthening community vigilance against illegal activities within protected forest areas.
Committees Oriented After Delayed Induction
The Forest Officer in charge of the South Western Region, Charles Sabiit, said the committees were constituted in 2024 but had not been formally oriented due to the government's rationalisation of agencies.
"These committees were established last year to strengthen community participation in forest management. However, because of the government rationalisation process, members had not yet been inducted into their roles, responsibilities, and operational mandate," Sabiit said.
He explained that the orientation was designed to equip committee members with the knowledge and practical skills required to support the sustainable management and conservation of Central Forest Reserves.
Local Leaders Pledge Support
The Chairperson of the Kariju Forest Reserve Management Committee, James Mujuruzi, pledged to champion innovative approaches that encourage local communities to actively participate in forest conservation.
"We commit ourselves to working closely with the NFA and other relevant authorities to promote responsible forest use, raise awareness among surrounding communities, and support the protection of Uganda's forest resources," Mujuruzi said.
The three-day orientation workshop brought together committee members, forestry officials, and other stakeholders to clarify the committees' roles in supporting the management, protection, and sustainable use of Kariju and Kasyoha-Kitomi Central Forest Reserves.
The committees were initially inaugurated at Tuzza Hotel in Bushenyi in August 2024 before undergoing their formal orientation this year.
