“The rule of law must apply to everyone”

Uganda took measures to protect his quickly disappearing forests. For the first time, these efforts include accounting for the government's employees.

According to the observer, the country's National Forestry Authority arrested five people who were connected to illegal charcoal production in June, and brought the total number of arrests to 52 this year in connection with this activity.

Two NFA employees are also faced with legal proceedings because they supposedly contributed to facilitating forest crimes. Both are accused of supporting illegal activities in the Central Forest Reserve that are protected under Ugandian law.

“The rule of law must apply to everyone,” said the NFA spokesman Aldon Walukamba in a statement according to the observer. “Forest crimes are not only environmental violations, but crimes against the future of the country. These resources are intended for all Ugandans and for future generations.”

Charcoal production in these areas violates Uganda's forest laws. It is also an important driver of the deforestation that contributed to a severe decline in the country's forest cover from 24% in 1990 to under 10% today.

Every year, Uganda loses around 90,000 hectares of forest, often due to illegal wood strokes, land excavations and non -regulated fuel harvest.

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The NFA manages over 500 central whale reserves throughout Uganda, including Mabira Forest, one of the largest remaining natural forests in the region.

These forests are of crucial importance for biological diversity, clean water and carbon storage. However, the enforcement was historically weak due to limited resources and widespread corruption.

It starts to change. Since the beginning of the year, 19 legal cases have been opened with illegal forest activities. 15 of these were sent to court and three convictions have already been secured.

The NFA attributes to daily people to promote progress.

“The vigilance of the community was of crucial importance for these efforts,” said Walukamba, according to the observer. “The public plays an important role in reporting on these crimes.”

Officials say that the agency also works with NGOs and other partners to support reforestation programs and to create alternative livelihood for communities that depend on charcoal. These types of efforts are the key to long -term success in the protection of forests, without being able to further endangered communities.

In the further course of the enforcement, the NFA encourages the Ugandans to remain involved and to comment.

“We can't do that alone,” said Walukamba. “Our natural inheritance is threatened and it is the responsibility of every Ugandan to protect it.”

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