Leaders Rally Behind Napono Forest Protection Efforts in Agago

By Olum Ben

Residents of Lapono and Lira Kato sub-counties in Agago District have committed to supporting forest protection initiatives following a meeting to address misinformation about the Napono Central Forest Reserve (CFR). Over the past year, some Members of Parliament in Agago have allegedly spread false claims that the National Forestry Authority (NFA) intends to evict residents from their land, urging them to resist the boundary re-opening of the reserve.

Stuart Maniraguha, the Acting Executive Director of NFA, responded in a letter clarifying that Napono CFR is a government-protected forest gazetted in 1948, covering 3,727 hectares. “Napono CFR is managed on behalf of the people of Uganda, and its status as a central forest reserve is embedded in statutory law,” he stated.

During a stakeholders’ meeting at the Agago District Council Hall, chaired by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) James Kidega, leaders agreed to launch a community sensitization campaign. The meeting brought together representatives from the Uganda Police Force, the NFA, and Biodiversity for Resilience (B4R), and the Agago District Local Government.

Ojok Leonard, Agago District Chairperson (LCV), stressed the importance of transparency in communicating the facts about forest reserves.

“Let’s not fear telling our communities the truth about the importance of CFRs. We are here to understand the facts before going to the ground, and today, we have clarified the situation,” he said.

Ojok Kaite, LC III Chairperson of Lira Kato Sub-county, called for more sensitization on the benefits of Collaborative Forest Management (CFM). “My people need to understand the boundaries and the benefits of collaborating with the NFA on forest management. I urge the NFA and B4R teams to assist with this,” he urged.

Local leaders, including Alexander Okidi, LCV Councilor for Lira Kato, echoed the need for unity and clear information. “We need to build confidence among the people together, as local leaders and the government, with support from private partners like B4R,” he added.

RPC Achwa Katungweesi Anatoli assured, “We will put all efforts into ensuring that all forests in the region are protected. We should share information about new arrivals and prevent fraudsters in Agago.”

Johnson Byamukama, Forestry and Carbon Conservancy Manager from B4R, highlighted the benefits of the B4R Carbon Program during the meeting at Agago District Headquarters. “The benefits of the B4R Carbon Program are substantial. They include improved local incomes from the sale of carbon credits, regeneration of natural resources, increased production of timber and non-timber forest products, employment opportunities, and enhanced environmental quality. The success of these initiatives, particularly in Napono CFR, will require massive stakeholder participation and innovative partnerships,” he explained.

The meeting also addressed the need to counter misinformation spread by some politicians. “The boundaries have existed since colonial times, and the people are aware of them. What remains is for a joint team to visit and agree on the specifics,” remarked Obol Mathew, LCV Councilor for Lapono Sub-county.

Tom Rukundo, Director of Natural Forests at NFA, reiterated the NFA’s commitment to protecting government forests and welcomed suggestions for community engagement and transparency in boundary demarcation.

“If some MPs claim NFA is encroaching, communities should review the genuine Boundary Plans of Forest Reserves, which we can provide,” he concluded.

The meeting, attended by nearly 100 participants, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to protect the Napono CFR and promote sustainable forest management in Agago District and beyond.