Five arrested over illegal charcoal burning in Mabira forest

At least five individuals have been arrested for engaging in alleged illegal charcoal burning in Mabira Central Forest Reserve.

According to the National Forestry Authority (NFA), the suspects George Musisi, George Wasswa, Wandeka Alamanzani, Wasswa Awali, and Ali Wandeka were apprehended during a joint operation conducted in collaboration with communities living near the forest. The suspects were transferred to Kampala for processing and will face formal charges in court.

Charcoal production in forests violates Uganda’s forestry laws, which prohibit the cutting and burning of trees within protected reserves. The practice undermines conservation efforts and contributes to the country’s mounting deforestation crisis.

The NFA says the latest arrests are part of a broader campaign to restore order in CFRs, where illegal logging, land encroachment, and charcoal burning are becoming increasingly rampant. These five arrests bring the total number of suspects detained this year in similar operations to 52.

“Community vigilance has been critical to these efforts,” said Aldon Walukamba, NFA’s communications and public relations manager. “The public is playing a vital role in reporting these crimes, but we must also ensure that internal accountability is upheld.”

Walukamba revealed that two NFA staff members have also been arrested for allegedly aiding and abetting illegal activities in forest reserves.

“Joseph Ecima, a forest supervisor in Mabira forest, and Tibenderana Agai, who oversees Muhangi CFR, are currently facing court proceedings. Their cases signal an unprecedented move by the forestry body to address corruption within its ranks,” he stated.

So far, 19 case files have been opened this year in connection with illegal forest activities. Of these, 15 have been submitted to court, with two cases sanctioned and one still under inquiry.

The Utilities court has already convicted three individuals this year for forest-related crimes. In past years, many forest crimes went unpunished due to weak enforcement and systemic corruption.

“The rule of law must apply to everyone,” Walukamba emphasized. “Forest crimes are not just environmental offences, they are crimes against the nation’s future. These resources are meant for all Ugandans and for generations to come.”

Mabira forest, located between Kampala and Jinja, spans over 300 square kilometres and is one of the largest remaining natural forests in the Buganda region. It harbours hundreds of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic or endangered. The forest also plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, water catchment, and biodiversity conservation.

Despite its protected status, Mabira has faced continuous threats from illegal logging, agricultural encroachment, and unregulated charcoal production. These pressures have worsened with Uganda’s growing population and the high demand for fuelwood, particularly in urban areas where electricity remains unreliable or unaffordable for many.

Uganda currently loses an estimated 90,000 hectares of forest cover each year. The country’s forest cover has declined dramatically, from 24% in 1990 to less than 10% in recent years.

The NFA, which is mandated to manage and protect 506 central forest reserves covering 1.26 million hectares, continues to struggle with limited resources and understaffed ranger units. Environmental activists have long urged increased government funding for the NFA, stricter penalties for forest crimes, and greater transparency in forest governance.

The recent arrests of NFA personnel may signal a turning point in institutional accountability. As enforcement efforts intensify, the NFA continues to call on the public to play a more active role in protecting the country’s forests.

“We cannot do this alone,” Walukamba reiterated. “Our natural heritage is under threat, and it’s the responsibility of every Ugandan to safeguard it, whether through reforestation, legal compliance, or simply speaking out when they see wrongdoing.”

The agency is also exploring partnerships with NGOs and private stakeholders to scale up tree-planting initiatives, community sensitisation programs, and alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on charcoal production.