National Forestry Authority, Kampala, 19^th February 2019 — National Forestry Authority notes with concern that there are people who have fraudulently acquired illegal land titles in Central Forest Reserves (CFRs). In December 2017, a list people with illegal titles were advertised in the print media and notice given for the titles to be cancelled. To date we have noticed that more people continue to be duped into buying land situated in CFRs.

Central Forest Reserves’ land is only meant for forestry and forestry-related activities such as tree planting, ecotourism and other activities stipulated in section 13 of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003 that emphasizes forests to be managed in a manner consistent with the purpose for which they were declared. Relatedly section 14 of the same Act prohibits activities such as cutting, disturbing, damaging, burning, or destroying any forest produce, or removing or reducing any forest produce except in accordance with the regulations and after a comprehensive Environment and Social Impacts have been assessed and confirmed by issuing of certificate of approval from National Environment Management Authority.

Today a responsible and patriotic citizen Mr. Osany Fredrick Erau of Erau’s Estate surrenders a land title covering a total of 611 ha illegally obtained in 1994, in Akileng Central Forest Reserve located in Amuria district. Akileng CFR was gazetted for ecotourism purposes and to protect marshland swamps in the forest i.e. Akileng swamp, and contribute to regulation of climate in Teso, and also to supply poles and firewood. 

Going forward, NFA calls upon all Ugandans to emulate Mr. Osany and surrender titles illegally acquired in any Central Forest Reserve. We inform the Public especially those interested in acquiring land neighbouring Central Forest Reserves to always verify with Ministry of Lands to ascertain the status of land ownership.

Central Forest Reserves are gazetted by Parliament, and the process for gazetting and degazzetting is clear in section 6, 7, 8 of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003.

I would to thank everyone who has supported me in my few months I have served as ED NFA. Because of the immense support from my Minister, the Board of Directors, staff and partners, we have achieved the following among others;

• In the last six months, over 300 kilometers of boundary lines have been opened and planted with permanent pillars with support from USAID.
• Over 2000 hectares of degraded forests have been restored through restoration and enrichment planting.
• Over 2,500 hectares of forest land have been planted with new trees.
• We have raised over 10m seedlings for community tree planting
• We have new Projects and programs in the pipeline in collaboration with partners such as UNHCR project in partnership with NFA is going to fund tree planting in refugee hosting communities to reverse the deforestation caused by refugees
• NFA is working with International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) on development of bamboo strategy for Uganda. This will include development of bamboo nurseries and plantations.
• Forest Management Plans for Agora Agu and Kalagala – Itanda Falls CFRs have been developed.
• FAO in partnership with NFA are working on biomass studies, national forests inventory and National forests monitoring system. Soon we will be unveiling the new vegetation cover map for the country.

I encourage all Ugandans to abide by the laws governing natural resource management in the Country more so forests since our economy heavily depends on agriculture which is supported by natural systems forests inclusive.

Rain is soon starting. We have 35 tree seedling nurseries spread across the country ready to serve you. Please let us plant as much trees as we can in 2019.

For further information, please, contact Aisha Alibhai Communications and Public Relations Manager on tel; 0772527106 or Juliet Mubi on tel; 0772093372, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

END

Tom .O. Okello

Executive Director

 PRESS STATEMENT ON TREE PLANTING ACROSS THE COUNTRY THROUGH CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Kampala, 20^th September 2018.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you to today’s press conference.

Let me start by thanking the Government Communication’s Officers Forum members for putting together activities of the Tax Payer’s week and for specifically choosing tree planting as this year’s Corporate Social Responsibility within the Tax payer’s appreciation week.

I would also like to thank all Ugandans for joining hands in this campaign geared towards reforestation and restoring Uganda’s forest cover.

Members of the media, you are doing a great job in creating environmental awareness amongst Ugandans. You are great partners. We thank you and implore you to continue with this noble work.

Fellow Ugandans, the Biomass studies by the National Forestry Authority of 2015 identified massive deforestation as one of the most critical environmental crises facing Uganda. Uganda’s forest cover across the country tremendously declined from 24% (4,933,271 hectares (Ha)) of land area in the 1990 to less than the current 9% (1,956,664Ha) in 2018.  That Uganda has lost about 3,000,000 ha of forest cover in 25 years is very alarming. To reverse this loss by 2040, we need to restore at least 136,000 Ha annually.

Forest loss has been driven by illegal logging to meet huge demands for timber, fuelwood including charcoal, carving, unsustainable agricultural practices, urbanization and unregulated livestock grazing.

The high rate of deforestation has led to habitat loss and species extinction, and soil degradation resulting in poor crop yield. Deforestation is also contributing to climate change effects and destabilizing water cycle leading to disappearance of local streams, frequent weather and climatic variability including droughts, interruptions of frequency and intensity of rains resulting into floods and landslides in the highland areas. This has affected crop and livestock yields hence livelihoods.

As you are aware, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995, empowers Government to protect and preserve the environment from abuse, pollution and degradation; to manage the environment for sustainable development; and to promote environmental awareness.

The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003 provides for tree planting and growing and also regulates sustainable utilization of forest products.

The National development Plan II (2015 – 2020) sets a target of restoring the forest cover from 9% to 18% by the year 2020. For this to be achieved, concerted efforts of all stakeholders is required. In this regard, Cabinet gazetted four National Tree Planting Days, i.e., 8^th March, 1^st May, 5^th June and 12^th August every year to coincide with International Women’s’ Day, Labour Day, World Environment Day and International Youth Day celebrations respectively.

To reverse deforestation, we must massively and progressively increase tree cover through tree planting and management of existing forests in a way that is sustainable, improves community livelihoods and supports income generation with the long-term vision of increased forest and tree cover and conserving the environment.

This Corporate Social Responsibility program targeting planting 10,000,000 trees (10,000 Hectares) is geared towards increasing the forest and tree cover in Uganda.

The National Forestry Authority in partnership with Uganda Revenue Authority, Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Local Government using the Corporate Social Responsibility approach are providing the leadership and momentum for the planned massive (10,000,000) tree planting efforts across the country starting with the launch tomorrow 21^st September 2018, at 6 regional centers, i.e. in Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Mbale Central Forest Reserve, Kasyoha Kitomi CFR in Ruburizi,  Jubia CFR in Masaka and Abera CFR in Gulu. Tree planting in West Nile, northern and parts of Eastern will be differed to early next year due to climatic and rainfall pattern. We expect communities, government agencies, corporates and private sector to join us at the above forest reserves tomorrow at 9.00am and we plant trees. People are encourage to visit any of the NFA 32 tree seedling nurseries countrywide to access free seedlings for planting on private land.

When you pick the seedlings, ensure that you properly plant and care for the seedlings. Our nursery supervisors will give you guidance on how to plant the seedlings.

I request all Ugandans to support the need for massive tree planting and afforestation across the country to reverse deforestation in fulfilment of our National Development Plan II.

National Forestry Authority is determined to fulfill its mandate of sustainable environment management through promotion of tree planting and forest management across the country. In order to achieve this, NFA in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Institutions and Development Partners will work together on the above activities.  We strongly believe this approach will be an entry point for other partners to support approaches aimed at increasing the forest cover and meeting the Vision 2040 afforestation target.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

Tom Obong Okello

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

END

For further inquiry contact;

1. Aisha Alibhai 0772527106 – Communication & PR Manager NFA
2. Juliet Mubi 077093372 – PR Officer NFA

Kampala, 20^th September 2018.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you to today’s press conference.

Let me start by thanking the Government Communication’s Officers Forum members for putting together activities of the Tax Payer’s week and for specifically choosing tree planting as this year’s Corporate Social Responsibility within the Tax payer’s appreciation week.

I would also like to thank all Ugandans for joining hands in this campaign geared towards reforestation and restoring Uganda’s forest cover.

Members of the media, you are doing a great job in creating environmental awareness amongst Ugandans. You are great partners. We thank you and implore you to continue with this noble work.

Fellow Ugandans, the Biomass studies by the National Forestry Authority of 2015 identified massive deforestation as one of the most critical environmental crises facing Uganda. Uganda’s forest cover across the country tremendously declined from 24% (4,933,271 hectares (Ha)) of land area in the 1990 to less than the current 9% (1,956,664Ha) in 2018.  That Uganda has lost about 3,000,000 ha of forest cover in 25 years is very alarming. To reverse this loss by 2040, we need to restore at least 136,000 Ha annually.

Forest loss has been driven by illegal logging to meet huge demands for timber, fuelwood including charcoal, carving, unsustainable agricultural practices, urbanization and unregulated livestock grazing.

The high rate of deforestation has led to habitat loss and species extinction, and soil degradation resulting in poor crop yield. Deforestation is also contributing to climate change effects and destabilizing water cycle leading to disappearance of local streams, frequent weather and climatic variability including droughts, interruptions of frequency and intensity of rains resulting into floods and landslides in the highland areas. This has affected crop and livestock yields hence livelihoods.

As you are aware, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995, empowers Government to protect and preserve the environment from abuse, pollution and degradation; to manage the environment for sustainable development; and to promote environmental awareness.

The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003 provides for tree planting and growing and also regulates sustainable utilization of forest products.

The National development Plan II (2015 – 2020) sets a target of restoring the forest cover from 9% to 18% by the year 2020. For this to be achieved, concerted efforts of all stakeholders is required. In this regard, Cabinet gazetted four National Tree Planting Days, i.e., 8^th March, 1^st May, 5^th June and 12^th August every year to coincide with International Women’s’ Day, Labour Day, World Environment Day and International Youth Day celebrations respectively.

To reverse deforestation, we must massively and progressively increase tree cover through tree planting and management of existing forests in a way that is sustainable, improves community livelihoods and supports income generation with the long-term vision of increased forest and tree cover and conserving the environment.

This Corporate Social Responsibility program targeting planting 10,000,000 trees (10,000 Hectares) is geared towards increasing the forest and tree cover in Uganda.

The National Forestry Authority in partnership with Uganda Revenue Authority, Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Local Government using the Corporate Social Responsibility approach are providing the leadership and momentum for the planned massive (10,000,000) tree planting efforts across the country starting with the launch tomorrow 21^st September 2018, at 6 regional centers, i.e. in Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Mbale Central Forest Reserve, Kasyoha Kitomi CFR in Ruburizi,  Jubia CFR in Masaka and Abera CFR in Gulu. Tree planting in West Nile, northern and parts of Eastern will be differed to early next year due to climatic and rainfall pattern. We expect communities, government agencies, corporates and private sector to join us at the above forest reserves tomorrow at 9.00am and we plant trees. People are encourage to visit any of the NFA 32 tree seedling nurseries countrywide to access free seedlings for planting on private land.

When you pick the seedlings, ensure that you properly plant and care for the seedlings. Our nursery supervisors will give you guidance on how to plant the seedlings.

I request all Ugandans to support the need for massive tree planting and afforestation across the country to reverse deforestation in fulfilment of our National Development Plan II.

National Forestry Authority is determined to fulfill its mandate of sustainable environment management through promotion of tree planting and forest management across the country. In order to achieve this, NFA in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Institutions and Development Partners will work together on the above activities.  We strongly believe this approach will be an entry point for other partners to support approaches aimed at increasing the forest cover and meeting the Vision 2040 afforestation target.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

Tom Obong Okello

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

END

For further inquiry contact;

1. Aisha Alibhai 0772527106 – Communication & PR Manager NFA
2. Juliet Mubi 077093372 – PR Officer NFA

Kampala - 4^th July, 2018 - National Forestry Authority is pleased to introduce Mr. Tom Obong Okello as the new Executive Director who reported to duty on Monday 2^nd July, 2018. He brings with him 24 years of experience and knowledge of natural resource management. After graduating with a degree in forestry and masters in environmental science, Tom joined the then Forest Department and later moved on to Uganda Wildlife Authority where he held management position for the last 15 years.

With full responsibility for the leadership and development of National Forestry Authority, Tom will play a key role in meeting the company's aggressive growth goals as well as building on the organisation's outstanding reputation.

Mr. Onyango Gershom, Chairman Board of Directors National Forestry Authority, said: “Tom’s track record, experience, and contacts in the profession are second to none and we are thrilled to have him on board. Attracting someone of Tom’s calibre into the organisation is a great endorsement of our strategy and ambition. He brings with him incredibly strong knowledge and experience which will be vital as we continue our ambitious plans to grow.

Mr. Okello said that, he joins NFA with an intolerance to illegalities and warns that he will not sit and watch the country’s precious forest resources completely destroyed by few individuals involved in illegalities. And during his tenure in office, he intends to work with Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development together with Ministry of Water and Environment in cancelling illegal land titles in CFR’s.

He also added that, “as NFA, we need to be more accountable to the general public in implementing our mandate”. He intends to partner with all stakeholders in ensuring that forest degradation and deforestation trends are reversed.

Going forward, NFA will strengthen its partnership and coordination with partners and security agencies in an effort to stop illegalities in CFR’s.

To the staff of NFA, I assure you that your welfare will be looked into but first we must work hard and be committed to our jobs so as to have a better bargain. The NFA front line staff in forest sectors will be empowered to do their work and the legal and prosecution team will be supported to help them handle all cases in courts of law.

I would like to thank government for the support they give to the environment sector. A big thank you goes to our development partners and to all Ugandans for trusting us to manage forests in a sustainable way. I would like to reassure all stakeholders of our new resolve and commitment to manage CFR’s sustainably. I appeal to all stakeholders to support NFA’s efforts to restore degraded natural forests and establish new plantations.

Members of the media, you are our partners in conservation and development. My kind appeal is that we should publish stories professionally and in a balanced way. We thank you for your support too.

I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all Ugandans to plant trees, protect and conserve forests. The next planting season is in August/September, please apply for seedlings from us and ensure it is planted. We will support you accordingly.

               END

For more enquiries contact NFA PR Unit:

Aisha Alibhai – +256 772527106                                                     

Juliet Mubi - +256 772093372

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PRESS STATEMENT ON TREE PLANTING ACROSS THE COUNTRY THROUGH CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Kampala, 20^th September 2018.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I welcome you to today’s press conference.

Let me start by thanking the Government Communication’s Officers Forum members for putting together activities of the Tax Payer’s week and for specifically choosing tree planting as this year’s Corporate Social Responsibility within the Tax payer’s appreciation week.

I would also like to thank all Ugandans for joining hands in this campaign geared towards reforestation and restoring Uganda’s forest cover.

Members of the media, you are doing a great job in creating environmental awareness amongst Ugandans. You are great partners. We thank you and implore you to continue with this noble work.

Fellow Ugandans, the Biomass studies by the National Forestry Authority of 2015 identified massive deforestation as one of the most critical environmental crises facing Uganda. Uganda’s forest cover across the country tremendously declined from 24% (4,933,271 hectares (Ha)) of land area in the 1990 to less than the current 9% (1,956,664Ha) in 2018.  That Uganda has lost about 3,000,000 ha of forest cover in 25 years is very alarming. To reverse this loss by 2040, we need to restore at least 136,000 Ha annually.

Forest loss has been driven by illegal logging to meet huge demands for timber, fuelwood including charcoal, carving, unsustainable agricultural practices, urbanization and unregulated livestock grazing.

The high rate of deforestation has led to habitat loss and species extinction, and soil degradation resulting in poor crop yield. Deforestation is also contributing to climate change effects and destabilizing water cycle leading to disappearance of local streams, frequent weather and climatic variability including droughts, interruptions of frequency and intensity of rains resulting into floods and landslides in the highland areas. This has affected crop and livestock yields hence livelihoods.

As you are aware, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995, empowers Government to protect and preserve the environment from abuse, pollution and degradation; to manage the environment for sustainable development; and to promote environmental awareness.

The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003 provides for tree planting and growing and also regulates sustainable utilization of forest products.

The National development Plan II (2015 – 2020) sets a target of restoring the forest cover from 9% to 18% by the year 2020. For this to be achieved, concerted efforts of all stakeholders is required. In this regard, Cabinet gazetted four National Tree Planting Days, i.e., 8^th March, 1^st May, 5^th June and 12^th August every year to coincide with International Women’s’ Day, Labour Day, World Environment Day and International Youth Day celebrations respectively.

To reverse deforestation, we must massively and progressively increase tree cover through tree planting and management of existing forests in a way that is sustainable, improves community livelihoods and supports income generation with the long-term vision of increased forest and tree cover and conserving the environment.

This Corporate Social Responsibility program targeting planting 10,000,000 trees (10,000 Hectares) is geared towards increasing the forest and tree cover in Uganda.

The National Forestry Authority in partnership with Uganda Revenue Authority, Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Local Government using the Corporate Social Responsibility approach are providing the leadership and momentum for the planned massive (10,000,000) tree planting efforts across the country starting with the launch tomorrow 21^st September 2018, at 6 regional centers, i.e. in Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Mbale Central Forest Reserve, Kasyoha Kitomi CFR in Ruburizi,  Jubia CFR in Masaka and Abera CFR in Gulu. Tree planting in West Nile, northern and parts of Eastern will be differed to early next year due to climatic and rainfall pattern. We expect communities, government agencies, corporates and private sector to join us at the above forest reserves tomorrow at 9.00am and we plant trees. People are encourage to visit any of the NFA 32 tree seedling nurseries countrywide to access free seedlings for planting on private land.

When you pick the seedlings, ensure that you properly plant and care for the seedlings. Our nursery supervisors will give you guidance on how to plant the seedlings.

I request all Ugandans to support the need for massive tree planting and afforestation across the country to reverse deforestation in fulfilment of our National Development Plan II.

National Forestry Authority is determined to fulfill its mandate of sustainable environment management through promotion of tree planting and forest management across the country. In order to achieve this, NFA in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Institutions and Development Partners will work together on the above activities.  We strongly believe this approach will be an entry point for other partners to support approaches aimed at increasing the forest cover and meeting the Vision 2040 afforestation target.

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

Tom Obong Okello

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

END

For further inquiry contact;

1. Aisha Alibhai 0772527106 – Communication & PR Manager NFA
2. Juliet Mubi 077093372 – PR Officer NFA

Kampala – 2^nd July, 2018. National Forestry Authority welcomed the new Executive Director Mr. Tom Obong Okello who received tools of office from Mr. Paul Buyerah Musamali who has been the Ag. Executive Director since 1^st February 2018. The hand over happened the NFA headquarters witnessed by the Chairman B.O.D Mr. Gershom Onyango.

Tom indicated that it was a pleasure for him to return to the forestry sector in another capacity now and promised that his focus will be eliminating illegalities and ensure sustainable management of Central Forest Reserves.

While handing over Paul Buyerah welcomed the new Executive director back to the forestry sector and requested him to spearhead the restoration drive and jealously conserve the 506 CFR’s.    

Mr. Onyango Gershom, Chairman Board of directors National Forestry Authority, said: “Tom’s track record, experience, and contacts in the profession are highly credible and we are thrilled to have him on board.