Maruzi Forest Under Threat as Residents Report Widespread Tree Cutting

The Maruzi Central Forest Reserve, a protected area gazetted in 1939 and spanning over 6,000 hectares in Apac District, is facing an ecological crisis. Local communities are voicing strong concerns over what they describe as “massive tree cutting” occurring within the reserve.

Residents report that individuals, whose origins and language are unfamiliar to them, have gained access to the forest and are engaged in indiscriminate felling of trees of all sizes. Some individuals are reportedly uprooting stumps and roots, indicating a destructive approach to resource extraction.

Alfred Odongo, a resident, highlighted the discrepancy between the restrictions placed on locals and the apparent ease with which outsiders can exploit the forest. “The soldiers guarding this forest don’t allow us to go there even to graze cattle, gather firewood and fruits but you find people coming from far cutting down trees at their watch,” he stated.

Community leaders are demanding answers from the National Forestry Authority (NFA), questioning how these activities are permitted under the watch of forest guards. Geoffrey Ongom, a village LC1 vice chairperson, suggested potential corruption, stating, “We are suspecting that they could have received bribes to allow these people destroy our forest.”

Local government officials have acknowledged the reports. Denis Onapa Ambrozolli, the Akokoro Sub-county LC3 Chairperson, has scheduled a meeting with community members, district security, and the forestry department to address the issue. Apac Deputy RDC Richard Tabaro Okello stated his office was unaware and has pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly.

This situation arises despite President Museveni’s Executive Order No.3 from May 2023, which banned commercial charcoal production in Northern Uganda to safeguard the environment.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/residents-decry-massive-tree-cutting-in-maruzi-forest-5620356