More than 50 households in Ssi-Bukunja Sub County in Buikwe district are affected by the ongoing boundary reopening for Kisisita Central Forest Reserve.
The National Forestry Authority-NFA and Buikwe district authorities embarked on the boundary reopening exercise following a public outcry on the forest depletion by settlers, farmers, charcoal dealers and timber traders. Kisisita forest reserve land measures over 300 acres and stretches to the three villages of Nsonga, Kikunyu and Kiringo.
Almost 60 percent of the forest cover is depleted. Section 14(1) of the National Forestry and Tree Plantation Act, 2003 criminalizes cutting, disturbing, damaging, burning or destroying any forest produce or removing and receiving any forest produce except in accordance with the guidelines set out by the authorities.
The affected households, which are inside the forest land claim that they have settled there for many years. They want NFA to consider changing the boundaries of the reserve to spare their homes. Yokana Katimbo, 40, says he has never dreamt of vacating the land from where he was born and set up his home.
Saul Musoke, another resident wants NFA to follow the land act which stipulates that whoever occupied the land before the amendment of the 1995 constitution is a bonafide occupant.
Teo Nakimbugwe, the LCI Chairperson of Nsonga whose land was also marked off has appealed to NFA to spare them on condition that they start practising eco-friendly activities.
Aisha Alibhai, the NFA Public Relations Manager says the boundary opening is intended to establish the perimeter of Kisisita forest reserve, saying the authority will soon issue a complete report with detailed recommendations.
Christopher Sseruyange, the Buikwe District Production and Natural Resources Secretary, says that they intend to engage NFA on the fate of the residents when the final report is out.
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