NFA ACCUSED OF FUELING TIMBER CUTTING IN BUGOMA, LEADERS WANT FOREST TRANSFERED TO UWA

By Innocent Atuganyira

www.mknewslink.com

In Kikuube—

Leaders from Kikuube district want Bugoma forest to be transferred from the custody of National Forestry Authority {NFA} to Uganda Wildlife Authority {UWA} for its safe custody.

Speaking during a meeting organized by safer world organization and P.T.O under Rwenzori Information Center Network held at Kolping Hotel Hoima.

Timothy Balikenga the Programs Director Safer World revealed that they are running a project in Uganda which is focused in addressing the drivers of conflicts in the society looking at four areas of, competition of resources like forests and land among others, influx of refugees in Uganda, electoral processes and inadequate transition of justice processes.

While in the meeting, Alex Kabusomba Byensi district councilor Kabwoya upper exposed that Bugoma forest has become a business area for NFA adding that opium is being cultivated in the forest, plus timber business from Kikuube to Kagadi.

“Since this year started, three elephants have been shot and ivories among others parts are not found on these dead elephants,’’ he said.

Kabusomba said NFA can no longer manage to take care of the forest any more adding that as Kikuube district they moved a motion that UWA take over Bugoma forest’s custody.

Peter Banura the Kikuube district LCV Chairperson said he is very disappointed with NFA because instead of taking good care of the forest they are just depleting the species.

Banura added that NFA is fueling timber cutting and rescuing the timber culprits from police custody.

James Mwirima a consultant with safer world said that they have taken on to see that serenity is brought in Kikuube through transfer of Bugoma forest from NFA to UWA, need for clear boundary opening and demarcation, resolve the Kyangwali refugee land conflict between the district, government and kingdom.

Source: www.mknewslink.com a greater western Uganda news website
Email: wmuhwezi75@gmail.com
Tel: +256702680106