News
Two men remanded for illegally cutting down trees in Mabira Forest
The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye remanded Abdu Masiga, 31, and Ian Agea, 20, all peasants and residents of Wabusolo village in Ntunda sub-county, Mukono District, for carrying out prohibited activities in Mabira Forest.
Abdu Masiga (left) and Ian Agea in the dock at Makindye court where they were charged and remanded up to November 24, 2026. (Photo by Margret Zalwango)
By: Margret Zalwango, Journalist @New Vision
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Two men have been charged and remanded to Luzira Maximum Security Prison for cutting down trees in Mabira Central Forest Reserve without permission.
The Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye remanded Abdu Masiga, 31, and Ian Agea, 20, all peasants and residents of Wabusolo village in Ntunda sub-county, Mukono District, for carrying out prohibited activities in Mabira Forest.
The chief magistrate, Gladys Kamasanyu, read the charges to the accused persons, and they accepted committing the offence on Monday (November 9, 2026).
Masiga and Agea were arrested by Nagalama Police on November 3, 2026, at Wabusolo village in Mukono, where they were found carrying out prohibited activities of cutting down trees for charcoal burning without lawful authority or license.
The chief magistrate, Gladys Kamasanyu, read the charges to the accused persons, and they accepted committing the offence on Monday (November 9, 2026).
Masiga and Agea were arrested by Nagalama Police on November 3, 2026, at Wabusolo village in Mukono, where they were found carrying out prohibited activities of cutting down trees for charcoal burning without lawful authority or license.
The two told court that they were brought to the forest reserve by a man they referred to as “Omugagga” to cut trees only for two hours. "We didn’t know that the man who brought us had no permission," Masiga cried out.
Carrying out prohibited activities in a central forest reserve is contrary to section 13 (1) and (2) of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act Cap 160.
Court remanded the two to prison until November 24, 2026, when the case will resume.
Carrying out prohibited activities in a central forest reserve is contrary to section 13 (1) and (2) of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act Cap 160.
Court remanded the two to prison until November 24, 2026, when the case will resume.