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Uganda’s forests silently disappearing
The recently released 2025 Global Forest Resources Assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organisation further indicates that Uganda’s forest area declined from approximately 4.55 million hectares in 1990 to 2.37 million hectares last year, translating into a 48% reduction.
Uganda’s forests silently disappearing
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Olive Atuhaire
Uganda’s forest cover has dropped to approximately 9-12.7% of its total land area, down from 24% in 1990. This is largely driven by agricultural expansion, illegal logging, infrastructure development, mining activities and heavy reliance on biomass for energy.
The country still loses tens of thousands of hectares of natural forest annually. Uganda’s forests are among the country’s most valuable natural resources, providing essential ecosystem services including rainfall regulation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, water catchment management and livelihoods for millions of people. Forest ecosystems are globally significant biodiversity hotspots and serve as critical habitats for wildlife, including endangered primates and numerous bird species.
Despite their importance, the country continues to experience alarming rates of deforestation and forest degradation. According to National Environment Management Authority, Uganda’s forest cover has plummeted from 24% in 1990 to 12% today, consumed by the 40 million cubic metres of wood burned for charcoal, representing a loss of nearly half of the country’s forest resources over the last three decades.
The country still loses tens of thousands of hectares of natural forest annually. Uganda’s forests are among the country’s most valuable natural resources, providing essential ecosystem services including rainfall regulation, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, soil protection, water catchment management and livelihoods for millions of people. Forest ecosystems are globally significant biodiversity hotspots and serve as critical habitats for wildlife, including endangered primates and numerous bird species.
Despite their importance, the country continues to experience alarming rates of deforestation and forest degradation. According to National Environment Management Authority, Uganda’s forest cover has plummeted from 24% in 1990 to 12% today, consumed by the 40 million cubic metres of wood burned for charcoal, representing a loss of nearly half of the country’s forest resources over the last three decades.
The recently released 2025 Global Forest Resources Assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organisation further indicates that Uganda’s forest area declined from approximately 4.55 million hectares in 1990 to 2.37 million hectares last year, translating into a 48% reduction.
To effectively address deforestation and desertification, co-ordinated action is required from all stakeholders, including the Government, local leadership, cultural institutions, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and communities. This can be achieved through the promotion and support of interventions and initiatives such as agro-ecological farming practices.
The Government should also strengthen enforcement against illegal encroachment, improve monitoring of forest reserves and hold offenders accountable. Communities living near forested areas should be supported with sustainable livelihood alternatives, conservation education and incentives that promote responsible environmental stewardship. By safeguarding forests, Uganda will also preserve its medicinal and aromatic plants.
The writer is a research associate at Africa Institute for Energy Governance
To effectively address deforestation and desertification, co-ordinated action is required from all stakeholders, including the Government, local leadership, cultural institutions, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and communities. This can be achieved through the promotion and support of interventions and initiatives such as agro-ecological farming practices.
The Government should also strengthen enforcement against illegal encroachment, improve monitoring of forest reserves and hold offenders accountable. Communities living near forested areas should be supported with sustainable livelihood alternatives, conservation education and incentives that promote responsible environmental stewardship. By safeguarding forests, Uganda will also preserve its medicinal and aromatic plants.
The writer is a research associate at Africa Institute for Energy Governance