Politics 7 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Museveni Orders End to Nsowe Forest Land Clashes in Gomba
President Museveni has directed security forces to resolve escalating disputes at Nsowe Central Forest Reserve by verifying genuine herders and evicting illegal encroachers while protecting tree planters' investments. An eviction exercise is slated to start on April 9 following a presidential directive conveyed at a stakeholders' meeting. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-moves-to-end-nsowe-forest-land-disputes-5415392
President Museveni has stepped in to address intensifying land conflicts at Nsowe Central Forest Reserve in Gomba District. He instructed security agencies to restore calm amid rival claims from tree planters, cattle herders, and residents.
The orders came via Internal Security Organisation Director General Arthur Mugenyi during an April 4 emergency meeting. Mugenyi stressed that only verified native herders on a list of 175 individuals can stay, with recent encroachers facing immediate removal. Licensed tree planters’ efforts must be secured.
Verification begins April 9, with calls for voluntary departure or forced eviction for those not listed. The reserve has suffered from illegal logging, charcoal production, farming, and grazing, sparking clashes between planters and Balaalo herders.
Planters like Asaph Besigye report attacks on workers and saplings since September 2025, demanding government protection. Herders, represented by Francis Bwoya, claim historical grazing rights now threatened by private allocations.
Fraud allegations have surfaced, with brokers reportedly charging Shs5-10 million for fake land access. Local leaders, including Gomba West MP Robinah Rwakojo and Kyayi Sub-county LC3 David Nasasira, seek probes into allocations and scams. RDC Ronald Katende appeals for cooperation.
The issues trace to 2017 when the National Forestry Authority granted 2,885 hectares to planters for reforestation and reserved 1,750 hectares for 175 families on 25 acres each. Over 2,300 hectares have been replanted, but ongoing strife risks derailing progress.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)