Uganda: Environment Minister Halts Tree-Cutting
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New Vision (Kampala)
31 July 2008
Posted to the web 1 August 2008
Gerald Tenywa And John Kasozi
Kampala
ENVIRONMENT minister Maria Mutagamba has stopped all activities in Lwamunda forest sector pending an inquiry into the excessive cutting of trees.
Lwamunda sector comprises 27 forests, which shelter the shores of Lake Victoria, rivers and streams, covering part of Mpigi and Wakiso districts. "I have received numerous reports on the destruction of the forest reserves and the abuse of tree-planting permits," said Mutagamba.
"The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has not responded to the complaints I made two weeks ago."
In a statement yesterday, Mutagamba halted the activities of private firms and individuals who were issued with tree-planting and harvesting permits.
She said a committee had been set up to investigate the irregularities.
Mutagamba also ordered the sector manager, George Gasana, to go on forced leave to pave way for the investigations into the mismanagement of the forest reserves.
Mutagamba did not disclose the names of the officials on the committee.
She wrote: "The counter measures, which will be recommended by the probe committee, will be passed on to NFA for implementation."
Asked whether she was undermining the independence of NFA by involving herself into its activities, Mutagamba replied: "I can't watch over such massive destruction."
Sources said politicians, especially councillors, connive with NFA staff to cut down trees in the reserves.
Moses Watasa, the NFA publicist, said the minister's intervention would help them rectify the problem.
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"It is difficult to check the illegal activities in Lwamunda because the reserves are near Kampala, whose increasing population has put pressure on the protected areas to supply timber and charcoal," Watasa said.
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