By Juliet Lowoth
Residents of Abim district in Uganda’s Karamoja region have shown support for the National Forestry Authority (NFA) as it embarks on a boundary re-opening exercise for several Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) in the area. The boundary re-opening activity is crucial for preserving forest lands while balancing community interests.
During a meeting held today at Karibuni Restaurant in Abim, nearly 100 residents, along with local leaders, foresters, district community development officers, and politicians, discussed the significance of clear forest boundaries. The meeting, chaired by Abim Resident District Commissioner (RDC) John Steven Ekomu, underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in ensuring the success of such conservation initiatives.
Bruno Okwir, NFA Range Manager for Karamoja, highlighted the historical context of these forest reserves.
“All these forests were gazetted in the 1940s and had their boundaries fixed by the EU project during the Forest Department’s time. While some boundaries remain visible with rock piles, others have been defaced,” Okwir noted.
He expressed optimism that the communities’ knowledge of the boundaries would minimize conflicts.
However, concerns were raised by community leaders about the impact of the boundary re-opening on local livelihoods. “We need a lot of consultations with the communities to have a successful boundary re-opening event in Abim,” emphasized James Onyanga, LCIII Chairperson of Morulem Town Council. Rev. Caleb Omwony, LCIII of Abim Town Council, voiced concerns about the community’s benefits from such projects. “We are not benefiting from these projects in the form of royalties. NFA needs to get consent when moving around our territories for demarcations,” he said.
Residents also brought up the issue of illegal activities within the reserves, such as charcoal burning and gold mining. Lokinomoe Joseph, Senior Assistant Secretary of Camkok Sub County, proposed alternative uses, asking, “What happens if we use CFRs for coffee planting since it is supported by the government?”
Local leaders from Abim district attending a stakeholders meeting ahead of the boundary re-opening exercise by NFA
The RDC, Ekomu, encouraged community involvement for the Biodiversity for Resilience (B4R) project’s success. “We must support government activities, and community involvement is crucial. The people of Abim should welcome this initiative to increase stakeholders’ understanding of forest conservation.”
Director Natural Forests Tom Rukundo, representing the NFA Executive Director, emphasized the broader benefits of sustainable forest management. “This activity lays a foundation for future planting activities and reduces conflicts. Approaches like community tree planting programs, eco-tourism, and forest restoration will benefit all Ugandans and the international community,” Rukundo remarked.
The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration between the NFA, local leaders, and the community to safeguard the forests while accommodating the needs of the people. “Forest management is for all of us in Uganda. Let’s work together to protect these resources,” Rukundo concluded.
