NFA to Embrace Drone Technology to Safeguard Central Forest Reserves

By Judith Kawala

Kampala, Uganda – The National Forestry Authority (NFA) will in future launch an innovative training program for drone specialists aimed at enhancing the protection management and development of Uganda’s central forest reserves. This initiative seeks to improve the monitoring, recording, and reporting of forest activities across the country’s 506 central forest reserves.

Acting Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha highlighted the crucial role of technology in forest conservation efforts.

“The time for running up and down chasing encroachers is thinning with the introduction of technology and other digital interventions in forest management and development,” he stated. This strategic shift towards utilizing drones represents a pivotal moment for the NFA, aiming to modernize its operations and boost efficiency.

The NFA staff and management have unanimously welcomed the adoption of drone technology, recognizing the timely introduction of this remote-controlled monitoring system. Leo Twinomuhangi, a planner at NFA, emphasized the advantages of this technological advancement, saying, “When implemented, monitoring forests with technology will enhance performance, deliver results, and increase the protection of central forest reserves in Uganda.”

Esther Nekesa, NFA Range Manager in Sango Bay, pointed out the practical benefits of drone monitoring, especially in challenging terrains. “Hard-to-reach areas in Kyotera, Kalangala, Mujuzi, Jubiya CFRs, and Buvuma districts will now be monitored, data captured, and assessed,” she noted, highlighting the improved accessibility and comprehensive data collection that drones facilitate.

Aldon Walukamba, Communications and Public Relations Manager at NFA, stressed the importance of real-time data in combating illegal activities within the forest reserves.

“NFA will be able to record in real-time central forest reserves encroachers, follow them up to their homes, offices, and other hideouts in the bid to fight illegal forest activities. This will ease false allegations and provide concrete and factual evidence to all actors and the courts of law,” Walukamba explained.

The drone monitoring solution involves one or two autonomously collaborating drones: a detecting drone and a marking drone. The detecting drone, equipped with a multispectral camera, identifies forest encroachers and infested trees while flying above the forest. Upon discovering an encroacher or infested tree, it sends the coordinates and photographic information to the marking drone to follow up and take action.