NFA, Inzu Ya Masaaba Partner for Sustainable Conservation

By Michael Wambede

The Board and Management of the National Forestry Authority (NFA) have outlined a new strategic direction focused on sustainability, partnering with the Inzu Ya Masaaba cultural institution to promote forestry, eco-tourism, and cultural conservation. This collaboration, aimed at improving livelihoods and government revenue, was discussed during a visit to the “Mutoto” cultural ground in Mbale City.

Eng. Dr. Christopher Ebal, NFA Board Chairman, emphasized the importance of this partnership as a low-impact conservation strategy.

“Partnership in forestry and its low-impact activities for conservation is a strategic direction for the NFA management for sustainable reasons,” he stated.

On September 10, 2024, the NFA officially granted the Inzu Ya Masaaba 16 acres of land, part of the 60-acre allocation by the Ugandan government. The identified land is located in Mbale Central Forest Reserve which covers 562 hectares. The partnership awaits formalization by both NFA and Inzu ya Bamasaaba signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Stuart Maniraguha, NFA’s Executive Director, underscored the significance of the collaboration, emphasizing that it would satisfy the kingdom’s needs while promoting both cultural heritage and environmental conservation.

“We have come to the Mutoto cultural site to collaborate with Inzu Ya Masaaba and explore ways to develop it in a manner that satisfies the kingdom’s needs, preserves the site, and promotes both culture and conservation, as these two aspects go hand in hand,” said Maniraguha.

The partnership will also focus on sustainable activities like gathering medicinal plants, creating a youth training center, and cataloging tree species in the Bugisu region. Additionally, there are plans to develop a museum and tourism facilities, enhancing both the cultural and ecological value of the land.

His Royal Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, the Umukuuka of Bamasaaba, welcomed the collaboration, highlighting its potential to make the Mutoto site a hub for culture, excellence, and conservation.

“We have a strong relationship with the NFA, and by working together, we will ensure that this site becomes a hub for culture, excellence, and conservation,” the Umukuuka emphasized.

This initiative demonstrates a strategic alignment between NFA and local cultural institutions, paving the way for sustainable forest management and cultural preservation in Uganda.

Early this year, 15 hectares of land in Mbale CFR were allocated to Uganda Wildlife Education Centre to conduct conservation and eco-tourism activities.