The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has strongly condemned the deliberate setting of fires near Kangombe Forest Reserve which has resulted in the destruction of vast sections of forested land.
Kagombe Central Forest Reserve, spanning 301 square kilometers (74,000 acres) across Kagadi, Kibaale, Kakumiro, and Mubende districts in Western Uganda, was designated as a protected area in 1932 and is managed by the NFA.
Speaking to KKCR FM FM, Richard Sentuuro, the Forest Supervisor for Kangombe Beat, expressed disappointment over the incident, revealing that 70 hectares of indigenous trees—valued at over 70 million shillings—were lost.
The destroyed trees had been planted with support from the World Bank and development partners such as WWF, Toro Botanical Gardens, and MTN.
Sentuuro also outlined NFA’s plans to restore the affected areas in the upcoming planting season.
The fire damaged large portions of land in Kabaale, Kyaterekera, Kararike, Nyabigata, and Nyamarembo, among other locations within the reserve.
In response the NFA has vowed to take legal action against individuals found guilty of arson and has intensified investigations to bring those responsible to justice.
Meanwhile, Richard Kyalisima, the Sector Manager revealed that with continued support from the World Bank, NFA plans to reforest 200 hectares in Kangombe while maintaining 1,376 hectares previously restored with WWF funding.
An additional 120 hectares will be planted in the upcoming season to further aid in forest recovery.
