By Okot Tony
In the heart of northern Uganda, a collective voice is rising among media practitioners and conservationists advocating for a deforestation-free supply chain law. Their focus is primarily on products such as sugar, which have been linked to alarming rates of forest land clearance. Livingstone Langol, a devoted member of the Northern Uganda Media Club (NUMEC), calls the Ugandan government’s recent approval for expanding sugarcane plantations “an unforgivable shame for all investors, government leaders, and local collaborators.” The forests, which provide essential ecological benefits, are being compromised for short-term agricultural gains.
Forests are not just a collection of trees; they are vital ecosystems that provide numerous benefits. They act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 emissions, thus helping to mitigate climate change. They provide habitat for countless species of wildlife, contribute to the water cycle by maintaining rainfall patterns, and prevent soil erosion, which is crucial for maintaining fertile land. Without forests, ecosystems would collapse, leading to dire consequences for sustaining life on our planet.
Langol insists that “sugar production should be closely monitored at both domestic and international levels to effectively curb future deforestation.” He urges the Ugandan government to not only uphold existing forestry laws but to also enact new guidelines ensuring that products manufactured in Uganda maintain a deforestation-free status within six to ten years. He believes that such legislation is crucial to protect invaluable ecosystems and set a precedent for responsible investment practices.
Journalist Ronald Odongo from Lango sub region highlights the ongoing danger, revealing, “What has happened in Gulu and the Acholi sub region is increasingly being mirrored in Lango, despite our existing laws.” The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act 2003 and subsequent regulations have proved insufficient in preventing forest depletion. Urgent action is required, as the Uganda Deforestation Regulation (UDR) is slated to come into force before 2026, aiming to create compliance frameworks for key commodities such as sugar, beef, leather, soybeans, and oil.
Arthur Owor, an Environment Conservationist in Gulu says that these regulations not only safeguard Uganda’s forests but can also establish stringent standards beyond national borders. The international market, including the European Union, the United States, and China – one of the largest players in commodities – is increasingly prioritizing deforestation-free products. This shift could enhance Uganda’s export potential while ensuring responsible sourcing.
Frederick Dramadri, a journalist based in Arua City, asserts, “Uganda can replicate successful international models to protect our forests from encroachment and hold environmentally exploitative investors accountable.” He highlights the devastating situation at Zoka Forest, where unique flora and fauna, including the rare flying squirrels, are under threat due to aggressive logging facilitated by heavy machinery. “With a deforestation-free supply chain law in place, the exploitation of our natural resources would have been prevented,” he argues.
As advocates push for this vital legislation, the benefits of a deforestation-free supply chain become ever clearer. It promises a sustainable future for Uganda, ensuring that forests remain intact to fulfill their roles in climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and community well-being. It’s a path that not only protects the environment but also fosters sustainable development in alignment with global climate goals.
Let us take a step towards safeguarding our natural heritage. The time is now to support a deforestation-free supply chain, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of our precious forests.