Over 5 Acres Of Eucalyptus Trees Cut Down In Kakumiro

PHOTO/FILE

Kakumiro
The Uganda People Defense Forces under the national forestry authority with police have destroyed about five acres of eucalyptus trees planted into a forest reserve and wetlands in Kakumiro district.
The operation which was sanctioned by the NFA sector manager for Kagadi area Mr. Boaz Basigirenda was carried out on Wednesday this week.
The soldiers and officials managed to cut down over 5 acres of eucalyptus trees that had been cultivated in Nakayoozo Forest Reserve which borders Kikwaya Sub County and Igayaza town council in Kakumiro district.
 Boaz said that the trees were allegedly planted by Mr. Steven Bikumu a resident of Igayaza Town council by encroaching deep into the reserve. He says they have on several occasions warned the locals to vacate the reserve but all in vain.
Christopher Baguma the Kakumiro district Environment officer said some of the eucalyptus trees had been cultivated on Nakuyaazo wetland near the forest reserve and all were cut down.
‘No one is supposed to cultivate in the wetland or a forest reserve without a permit’ says Christopher Baguma Environment officer.
Swizen Kutambeki the Kakumiro district Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) said that such operations will continue to various parts of the district to ensure that all encroached wetlands and forest reserves are restored.
However, Boaz Basigirenda the National Forestry Authority sector manager also expressed concern over under staffing in the authority which has hindered regular monitoring and supervision in the reserves.