NFA appeal Buvuma Forest encroachment case ruling

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After a verdict that declared Godfrey Galiwango the rightful owner of part of the contested land at Nkoka and Galigatya villages in Busamuzi sub-county, Buvuma district, National Forestry Authority (NFA) Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha has disclosed that they have appealed the ruling.

Maniraguha narrated that when Godfrey Galiwango encroached on the forest reserve land, the authority collaborated with Buvuma to stop him, but when he defied the order, NFA took matters to court, although they lost it.

Court declared Galiwango the rightful owner of the land. In the ruling issued by Buvuma Grade I Magistrate Johnson Talemwa on April 30, 2025, Galiwango was acquitted of offences including carrying out prohibited activities contrary to Section 32(1)(a), (b) (IV) & 2 of the National Forest and Tree Planting Act 2003 and tampering with boundary marks contrary to Section 80 (b) of the National Forest and Tree Planting Act 2003.

Buvuma Grade 1 Magistrate, Johnson Talemwa (right), head of NFA Buvuma sector, Wilfred Tumwesigye (second right), Godfrey Galiwango (right) as he took the magistrate around his land which NFA contests that its forest reserve. (Photo by Henry Nsubuga)

“After evaluation of the evidence, I find that the state has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused person criminally carried out the said activities contrary to the National Forest and Tree Planting Act and also removed boundary marks, which is contrary to the same act,” Galiwango stated in his ruling.

"We can't claim land that doesn't belong to us," said Maniraguha, adding that as a government entity, they have a duty to preserve and protect forests and their reserves on behalf of the public.

NFA appeal

When contacted for a comment about the NFA appeal, Galiwango said it's over three months and he had not received any notice of appeal from NFA.

“It would be prudent for the NFA boss, as a respected public officer, to make the right communication. I also believe that the NFA appeal is barred by time, and I will respond to them when we get to court again," Galiwango reacted.