Businesswoman jailed 18 months for destroying community forest in Gulu
The court heard that Naluyimba unlawfully cleared approximately two acres of community woodland in Okumcan village on August 31, 2026, without authorisation from the district forest officer.
Naluyimba, a resident of Okumcan village, Ogwari parish in Omel subcounty, Gulu district, was also fined 15 currency points, equivalent to sh300,000.
GULU - Gulu chief magistrate Agustin Alule Koma has convicted and sentenced 28-year-old businesswoman Oliver Naluyimba to 18 months in prison for unlawfully destroying approximately two acres of community forest and cutting protected shea trees without authorisation.
Naluyimba, a resident of Okumcan village, Ogwari parish in Omel subcounty, Gulu district, was also fined 15 currency points, equivalent to sh300,000.
The offence was alleged to contravene provisions of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003, relating to the protection of forest produce and its removal from community forests.
Naluyimba first appeared before the Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court on September 22, 2026, for the mention of her case, where she pleaded guilty to the offence and was remanded for one week.
In his ruling, Magistrate Koma said community forests are important to the people who depend on them and emphasised the need to protect community forest land.
The court heard that Naluyimba unlawfully cleared approximately two acres of community woodland in Okumcan village on August 31, 2026, without authorisation from the district forest officer.
The prosecution further alleged that she cut down six shea trees, which it described as protected species, and converted the trees into charcoal for commercial purposes.
The State argued that the activities contributed to environmental degradation and negatively affected the wider community.
It asked the court to impose a deterrent sentence to discourage others from engaging in similar activities.
They also told the court that she was remorseful, had pledged not to repeat the offence and asked the magistrate to consider a non-custodial sentence.
The court nevertheless imposed an 18-month prison sentence and a fine of 15 currency points.
According to the prosecution, Naluyimba will be released if she pays the sh300,000 fine.
The court also ordered that the confiscated forest products and machinery used in the alleged activities be handed over to the Government as Government assets.
Gulu LC5 chairman Justine Obol welcomed the ruling, saying district leaders remain committed to protecting the environment and community forests.