Gen. Otafiire's New Role Amidst Mukono Forest Reserve Dispute

The appointment of Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire as the new political head of the Ministry of Water and Environment brings a new dynamic to the ongoing battle for the Kifu Central Forest Reserve in Mukono District. The ministry, alongside the National Forest Authority (NFA) and the National Agricultural Research Organisation (Naro), is currently engaged in a legal dispute with Victorious Car Bond.

The car bond company claims ownership of 114.9 hectares of the forest reserve, having reportedly obtained land titles from the Ministry of Lands. This claim is contested by the government, which has previously rejected proposals to degazette the forest reserve for development.

Sources indicate that the fight to preserve the Kifu Central Forest Reserve could face challenges due to a perceived lack of political will. The NFA and Naro had previously sought protection from police and the army to prevent encroachment and the destruction of research facilities within the reserve.

However, in 2025, Gen. Otafiire, then Minister of Internal Affairs, directed the police not to interfere with the investor’s operations on the land, stating that any disputes should be settled in court. This directive led to the withdrawal of security personnel, after which, in late 2025, workers from Victorious Car Bond reportedly began clearing parts of the forest.

Despite these events, the Ministry of Water and Environment maintains that private ownership of an undegazetted forest reserve is not possible. Naro subsequently secured an interim court order in December 2025, halting any further destruction or development on the disputed land within the Kifu Central Forest Reserve pending the final determination of the case.

Gen. Otafiire has not yet commented on his new role and its potential impact on the Kifu Central Forest Reserve conflict. The critical question remains whether his leadership will support the preservation efforts or tilt the balance in favor of the developers.