Govt starts eviciting Nsowe Forest reserve encroachers
Community members were encouraged to cooperate with government agencies and to channel any grievances through the established legal processes instead of resisting the exercise.
The meeting, held inside the protected forest reserve, brought together senior government officials, security agencies, local leaders and thousands of residents, including those affected by the impending eviction.
GOMBA - The implementation of the presidential directive to evict illegal encroachers of Nsowe Central Forest Reserve in Gomba District officially got underway this week with a high-level stakeholders' meeting, marking the beginning of what authorities say will be a peaceful but firm enforcement exercise.
The meeting, held inside the protected forest reserve, brought together senior government officials, security agencies, local leaders and thousands of residents, including those affected by the impending eviction.
Officials said the exercise is intended to restore the integrity of the Central Forest Reserve following years of illegal settlement and encroachment.
According to Katonga Regional Police spokesperson Lydia Tumushabe, the meeting was convened primarily to explain the presidential directive and prepare communities for the implementation phase.
Security agencies used the meeting to reassure residents that the operation would be conducted lawfully while respecting the rights of all affected persons.
Community members were encouraged to cooperate with government agencies and to channel any grievances through the established legal processes instead of resisting the exercise.
Police announced that a General Enquiry File (GEF) has since been opened to receive complaints arising from the implementation process.
Officials said every complaint lodged by affected residents will be investigated independently.
The Uganda Police Force, working jointly with the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), has been tasked with providing security throughout the eviction exercise.
Tumushabe urged residents to remain calm and comply with lawful instructions issued by government officials overseeing the operation.
She warned against acts likely to disrupt public order or interfere with the implementation process.
The launch marks the beginning of what is expected to be a closely monitored operation aimed at reclaiming one of the country's protected forest reserves.
The Government has maintained that the exercise is intended to protect the country's natural resources while ensuring that enforcement is carried out within the framework of the law.
Police said security will remain in place throughout the exercise as investigations continue into any complaints arising from the operation and authorities work to ensure a peaceful implementation of the Presidential directives.