Herdsmen occupy Kampipini Reserve
May 08, 2005
HERDSMEN have occupied Kampinini and Kamusenene forest reserves in Ngoma and Kinyogoga sub- counties in Luweero.
By Vision Reporter
HERDSMEN have occupied Kampinini and Kamusenene forest reserves in Ngoma and Kinyogoga sub- counties in Luweero.
Wildlife sources have said Kamusenene Forest Reserve used to harbour endangered elephants before they were relocated to Murchison Falls National Park about five years ago.
“Some of the herdsmen have parceled out the forest to themselves and are fencing it off for grazing,’’ sources said.
Allans Kwiringira, a sector manager under the National Forestry Authority (NFA), said about 300 households have settled in the forests and graze cattle in the reserves.
However, he said they would soon issue eviction notices.
Kwiringira said Kampipini Forest Reserve would be allocated to private tree planters as part of the countrywide intervention to secure and restore degraded forests.
He also said they were proposing to give grazing permits to herdsmen in Kamusenene so that they could graze without felling the trees.
Kwiringira confirmed that illegal activities, including charcoal burning and hunting of wild animals, were taking place within the reserves.
He urged the people to maintain the forests because they are important in creation of rainfall.
NFA is one of the three bodies that will take over the mandate of the Forest Department, which was dissolved last year.
HERDSMEN have occupied Kampinini and Kamusenene forest reserves in Ngoma and Kinyogoga sub- counties in Luweero.
Wildlife sources have said Kamusenene Forest Reserve used to harbour endangered elephants before they were relocated to Murchison Falls National Park about five years ago.
“Some of the herdsmen have parceled out the forest to themselves and are fencing it off for grazing,’’ sources said.
Allans Kwiringira, a sector manager under the National Forestry Authority (NFA), said about 300 households have settled in the forests and graze cattle in the reserves.
However, he said they would soon issue eviction notices.
Kwiringira said Kampipini Forest Reserve would be allocated to private tree planters as part of the countrywide intervention to secure and restore degraded forests.
He also said they were proposing to give grazing permits to herdsmen in Kamusenene so that they could graze without felling the trees.
Kwiringira confirmed that illegal activities, including charcoal burning and hunting of wild animals, were taking place within the reserves.
He urged the people to maintain the forests because they are important in creation of rainfall.
NFA is one of the three bodies that will take over the mandate of the Forest Department, which was dissolved last year.