0.8 HECTARES DESTROYED BY MAYUGE DISTRICT RESIDENTS IN SOUTH BUSONGA FOREST RESERVE WHILE 5 PINE HECTARES AS WELL WERE SLASHED

BY WILBER MUHWEZI KASIBANTE[MK]

IN BUSHENYI/KAMPALA

www.mknewslink.com

0.8 hectares of forest cover have been destroyed by Mayuge district residents in South Busoga Forest Reserve while 5 hectares of one-year old pine plantation was slashed in retaliation after arrest of their colleague.

According to Mr.Aldon Walukamba, the Communications and public relations manager NFA, the residents of Nnenda Village in Malongo sub-county destroyed the forest with already 300 trees felled for fire wood.

He added that after the patrols were conducted one suspect Balikowa Siraji was arrested and the residents of the above area turned violent and slashed 5 hectares of one year old pine trees plantation.

Mr. Walukamba revealed that the residents continued to be rowdy by mounting road blocks and beating the enforcement staff of NFA.

With a peacemaking appeal, Mr. Walukamba advised the residents of Mayuge district to keep calm and collaborate with NFA to protect the forest cover for sustainable development.

He on other hand asserted that NFA remains vigilant and has proposed reinforcing its patrol units and boundary demarcations to curb further deforestation.

“Such destructive behavior only worsens the situation. We call for calm and dialogue, and we are committed to working with local leaders and law enforcement to restore peace and protect the remaining forest areas,” added Walukamba.