New NFA boss to fight illegal titles, corruption

“We are going to engage the ministry of lands to see how to cancel the illegal land titles in forest reserves," says Tom Okello Obong.

PIC: Tom Okello Obong addresses a press conference in Kampala on Wednesday. (All photos by Sylvia Katushabe)

ENVIRONMENT

KAMPALA - The new executive director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), Tom Okello Obong, has vowed to ensure that illegal land titles in forest reserves are cancelled.

Okello said he will lead a team at NFA to engage the ministry of lands and the ministry of water and environment to secure the integrity of the 506 central forestry reserves.

"We are going to engage the ministry of lands to see how to cancel the illegal land titles in forest reserves," he said, adding that processes followed to obtain a land title should not ignore NFA.

"I want to inform the public that the procedure requires that if you want land, you have to consult the neighbours so that they express objection."

Okello was speaking during a press conference at the headquarters of NFA in Bugolobi, Kampala - to unveil the new executive director to the media.

Paul Musamali, the director for planning, said about 150 land titles that were previously allocated in forest reserves were cancelled in recent years, but there are more than 100 other titles that have not been cancelled.

 

Okello also said that he joins NFA with intolerance to illegalities and warns that he will not sit and watch the country's precious forest resources completely destroyed by few individuals involved in illegalities.

"To the staff of NFA, I assure you that your welfare will be looked into but first, we must work hard and be committed to our jobs so as to have a better bargain.

"The NFA frontline staff in forest sectors will be empowered to do their work and the legal and prosecution team will be supported to help them handle all cases in courts of law," he said.

"As NFA, we need to be more accountable to the general public in implementing our mandate."

Okello reassured all stakeholders of the new resolve and commitment to manage central forest reserves sustainably.

"I appeal to all stakeholders to support NFA's efforts to restore degraded natural forests and establish new plantations.

"Members of the media, you are our partners in conservation and development. My kind appeal is that we should publish stories professionally and in a balanced way. We thank you for your support too."

The new executive director also called up on Ugandans to plant trees. As man as 25 million seedlings will be supplied to the public for that matter.

"I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all Ugandans to plant trees, protect and conserve forests. The next planting season is in August/September, please apply for seedlings from us and ensure they are planted.

"We will support you accordingly," added Okello.

 

 

Okello's profile

Tom Obong Okello brings with him 24 years of experience and knowledge of natural resource management.

After graduating with a degree in forestry and a Masters in environmental science, Okello joined the then Forest Department and later moved on to Uganda Wildlife Authority, where he held management position for the last 15 years.

With full responsibility for the leadership and development of NFA, Okello will play a key role in meeting the company's aggressive growth goals as well as building on the organisation's outstanding reputation.

Gershom Onyango, the NFA chairman board of directors, said: "Tom's track record, experience, and contacts in the profession are second to none and we are thrilled to have him on board."

"Attracting someone of Tom's calibre into the organisation is a great endorsement of our strategy and ambition. He brings with him incredibly strong knowledge and experience, which will be vital as we continue our ambitious plans to grow."