Public speaks out on Mabira
THE Cabinet has in principle agreed to give part of Mabira Forest to Lugazi Sugar Corporation, although Parliament is yet to debate the proposal. <i>The New Vision </i>asked people on the streets of Kampala for their views.
THE Cabinet has in principle agreed to give part of Mabira Forest to Lugazi Sugar Corporation, although Parliament is yet to debate the proposal. However, the parliamentary committee on natural resources yesterday announced it will hold a public hearing on the forest. “I want to tell the public that they should not lose hope. The committee is going to handle the issue professionally and according to their expectation once the Government makes an application to degazette the forest,†said the committee’s chairman, Emmanuel Dombo. But what does the public think about giving away part of the forest to an investor for sugarcane production? The New Vision asked people on the streets of Kampala.
Ronald Senono, 27, Boda Boda cyclist
We have enough land elsewhere to plant sugarcane. Cutting down Mabira forest will affect the amount of rainfall in the region. The Government should get serious. Let them go and plant their sugar cane in Lwera. A forest takes centuries to grow to the level of Mabira. Museveni should not confuse Ugandans that the government can plant forests elsewhere. This is a lie.
Dr. Robert Kabumbuli, university lecturer
We have not been given adequate information regarding the justification for the give-away of Mabira Forest. Have other options been considered? Why does it have to be Mabira land? There is no doubt that the government is aware of the ecological impact of destroying forests. We should be enlightened about the implications so we can make our own judgment.
Winnie B. Kiteera, 24, student
We love our forest. It is a symbol of beauty of our nation. Such resources earned Uganda the title of ‘The Pearl of Africa’. We should take pride in it. Natural beauty is irreplaceable. We should realise how lucky we are to have it.
Peter Wesonga, 39, evangelist
Mabira is very important for tourism and environmental protection. After cutting down the forest, the area will be dry. Let them get another place to give to investors for sugar cane. After all, though sugar is important, it is expensive and most Ugandans cannot afford it. God save this nation! Mabira symbolises a growing level of doom sweeping this country.
Silas Musoga, 36, Boda Boda cyclist
Mabira should not be sold off. The Government should get another place to give to the investors. The Kingdom of Buganda offered a different piece of land where sugarcane can be planted. But the Central Government is just turning a deaf ear.
Anthony Kanyike, former MP
This issue is so hot that we cannot wish it away. We have collected over 12,000 signatures from local people to petition the Government to drop the decision of degazetting Mabira forest reserve.
Rev.Can Grace Kaiso, Uganda Joint Christian Council
Selling Mabira forest’s land is dangerous. We have failed to know the government’s agenda. Being a leader does not mean taking people’s property as your own. A leader should be a treasurer of the country’s resources. I am so grateful that the Kabaka offered land for sugar cane growing in a bid to save our forest.
Yona Musoba, 40, taxi driver
I always pass through Mabira forest. There is that fresh breeze that hits you; welcoming you to the natural land of Uganda. Sugarcane growing is a good idea, but the government should try an alternative way. What will that place look like without the forest? It is part of our livelihood. I even shed tears when I read your love letter to Mabira (Sunday Vision). Is there anyone in the government with feelings really? Selling off Mabira is unbelievable.
Angwella Emmanuel, 26, lawyer
There are many chunks of land elsewhere, why Mabira land? The Kabaka of Buganda is willing to offer land for the same purpose. There should be a legal procedure for undertaking such decisions instead of getting up one day and learning that a decision has been made.
Yasin Bira, 32, businessman
It is surprising that people are blocking the Mabira forest’s give-away to private investors. We only indirectly benefit form this forest. The place is very fertile for sugarcane growing. We should not keep such a big piece of land unexploited. Sugarcane out-growers would have been boosted instead but the government has neglected them. There are no jobs in Mabira forest. It is time for Mabira to go.
Rose Nabyonga, 35, newspaper vendor
Instead of giving away the forest, the Government should buy more sugarcane plantations and plant trees. Moreover, sugar is not a basic necessity for most Ugandans. For the poor, it is a luxury. To hell with sugarcane growing!
Jackie Wapamba, environmentalist
“We stand to lose a lot if the forest is not there. The animals, the beauty and scenery will be no more. Instead of losing we should keep it for our children and grand children.
Alobo Sarah, teaching assistant
Even if the President decided to give away the forest, this is a resource where we (as Ugandans) are all stakeholders. We are therefore entitled to take part in the decision. We have a right to give our views before it can be given out.
Sam Opio, pay phone attendant
It is very unfortunate Mabira is going to its grave. It should have tasted more days on earth. Mabira forest is supposed to protect our environment. It should not be misused. The Mehta Group is a personal business venture and it should not be confused with public benefits. We are not ready to see our forest getting sold to investors.
Bridget Nalule, 70, newspaper vendor
Mabira helps to protect our environment. Sugarcane cannot help us the same way as trees do. Our forests are important to block the heavy winds. These forests are God-given, like the wildlife. I have been seeing this forest for decades. It will be painful to see it cut down. Let me hope our beloved President will change his mind and save our forest.
Carol Wangiru, student
If the government is only giving part of the forests, it is okay, because we need the sugar as well. We also need jobs. We need to increase the tax-base for our economy. But the whole forest should not be given away.
Antony Baguma, 37, consultant
Everyone knows the role of conserving forests. Already water levels in Lake Victoria are going down because of reduced rainfall. It was a decision by the President despite opinions from Parliament and Cabinet. Maybe the sugar cane investor should practice agro forest integration, so that as he grows his sugar cane, some tree species can as well remain.
David Nyakoojo, 34, vendor
It pains me so much to see our natural resources aimlessly given out for the sake of this so-called industrialisation. What is this kind of dangerous industrialisation? I know I am a poor man who cannot influence policies in this country. However, one day, someone is going to pay for all this environmental confusion; which comes from politicising all walks of life.
Joseph Owor, researcher
It is a very negative step by the government. We are wondering how a small group of people can decide to take on such a risk at the expense of the masses of beneficiaries. I think there should be huge protest against the whole idea.
Max Erizooba, 23, student
Everyone is aware of the dangers of global warming. It is a huge mistake. It will destabilise the eco-balance. The Government is putting so much attention to economic activities which will be costly in the long run. We are talking about the future generation here. What pride shall we present as a country?
Ann Suubi, student
Uganda has always praised statements like ‘conserving nature.’ I think its definition is going to change to ‘destroying nature’. The forest should not be given away. Anyone who feels proud as a Ugandan should not be in support of giving out our beauty.
Tumwiine Oswald, 30, accountant
Maybe this government is not aware that it is taking on a ‘no gain’ venture. Whereas we are developing one sector, we are crumbling another. We are preferring money from sugar production at the expense of tourism. We shall lose our potential tourists who come with other benefits like marketing Uganda. This will do more harm than good.
David Musingo, environmentalist
“How can you leave plenty of other land and go for Mabira?’’ There is a lot of land elsewhere and I don’t know why they are insisting on taking Mabira. This is a natural heritage. Once it is lost, it will never be recovered.’’
Dickens Kagarura, environmentalist
The Government is not serious. When President Yoweri Museveni came to power about two decades ago Mabira had many settlers because of the massive encroachment. He chased the encroachers to help the forest recover. It is ironical that the same Museveni has opened war on the environment. What should we do as citizens of this country? Does he not have good advice? If you look at the Forest Act, the Government should help the National Forestry Authority to plant trees and practice agro-forestry. Mabira provides many goods and services which sugarcane cannot provide. The rivers and streams that come from Mabira will dry up. Giving away Mabira is like signing a death warrant for Lake Victoria.
Francis Matovu, retired sales representative
The forests should be preserved. If they are not preserved, we are likely to suffer from desertification. These forests also harbour herbs and wildlife. The Government is talking of planting other forests. Are they going to also recover the vanished wildlife and herbs? Environmental issues should take an upper hand our country.
Compiled by Gerald Tenywa, Conan Businge, Ronald Humura and Florence Nakaayi.
Pictures taken by Godfrey Kimono and Roderick Ahimbazwe
Ronald Senono, 27, Boda Boda cyclist
We have enough land elsewhere to plant sugarcane. Cutting down Mabira forest will affect the amount of rainfall in the region. The Government should get serious. Let them go and plant their sugar cane in Lwera. A forest takes centuries to grow to the level of Mabira. Museveni should not confuse Ugandans that the government can plant forests elsewhere. This is a lie.
Dr. Robert Kabumbuli, university lecturer
We have not been given adequate information regarding the justification for the give-away of Mabira Forest. Have other options been considered? Why does it have to be Mabira land? There is no doubt that the government is aware of the ecological impact of destroying forests. We should be enlightened about the implications so we can make our own judgment.
Winnie B. Kiteera, 24, student
We love our forest. It is a symbol of beauty of our nation. Such resources earned Uganda the title of ‘The Pearl of Africa’. We should take pride in it. Natural beauty is irreplaceable. We should realise how lucky we are to have it.
Peter Wesonga, 39, evangelist
Mabira is very important for tourism and environmental protection. After cutting down the forest, the area will be dry. Let them get another place to give to investors for sugar cane. After all, though sugar is important, it is expensive and most Ugandans cannot afford it. God save this nation! Mabira symbolises a growing level of doom sweeping this country.
Silas Musoga, 36, Boda Boda cyclist
Mabira should not be sold off. The Government should get another place to give to the investors. The Kingdom of Buganda offered a different piece of land where sugarcane can be planted. But the Central Government is just turning a deaf ear.
Anthony Kanyike, former MP
This issue is so hot that we cannot wish it away. We have collected over 12,000 signatures from local people to petition the Government to drop the decision of degazetting Mabira forest reserve.
Rev.Can Grace Kaiso, Uganda Joint Christian Council
Selling Mabira forest’s land is dangerous. We have failed to know the government’s agenda. Being a leader does not mean taking people’s property as your own. A leader should be a treasurer of the country’s resources. I am so grateful that the Kabaka offered land for sugar cane growing in a bid to save our forest.
Yona Musoba, 40, taxi driver
I always pass through Mabira forest. There is that fresh breeze that hits you; welcoming you to the natural land of Uganda. Sugarcane growing is a good idea, but the government should try an alternative way. What will that place look like without the forest? It is part of our livelihood. I even shed tears when I read your love letter to Mabira (Sunday Vision). Is there anyone in the government with feelings really? Selling off Mabira is unbelievable.
Angwella Emmanuel, 26, lawyer
There are many chunks of land elsewhere, why Mabira land? The Kabaka of Buganda is willing to offer land for the same purpose. There should be a legal procedure for undertaking such decisions instead of getting up one day and learning that a decision has been made.
Yasin Bira, 32, businessman
It is surprising that people are blocking the Mabira forest’s give-away to private investors. We only indirectly benefit form this forest. The place is very fertile for sugarcane growing. We should not keep such a big piece of land unexploited. Sugarcane out-growers would have been boosted instead but the government has neglected them. There are no jobs in Mabira forest. It is time for Mabira to go.
Rose Nabyonga, 35, newspaper vendor
Instead of giving away the forest, the Government should buy more sugarcane plantations and plant trees. Moreover, sugar is not a basic necessity for most Ugandans. For the poor, it is a luxury. To hell with sugarcane growing!
Jackie Wapamba, environmentalist
“We stand to lose a lot if the forest is not there. The animals, the beauty and scenery will be no more. Instead of losing we should keep it for our children and grand children.
Alobo Sarah, teaching assistant
Even if the President decided to give away the forest, this is a resource where we (as Ugandans) are all stakeholders. We are therefore entitled to take part in the decision. We have a right to give our views before it can be given out.
Sam Opio, pay phone attendant
It is very unfortunate Mabira is going to its grave. It should have tasted more days on earth. Mabira forest is supposed to protect our environment. It should not be misused. The Mehta Group is a personal business venture and it should not be confused with public benefits. We are not ready to see our forest getting sold to investors.
Bridget Nalule, 70, newspaper vendor
Mabira helps to protect our environment. Sugarcane cannot help us the same way as trees do. Our forests are important to block the heavy winds. These forests are God-given, like the wildlife. I have been seeing this forest for decades. It will be painful to see it cut down. Let me hope our beloved President will change his mind and save our forest.
Carol Wangiru, student
If the government is only giving part of the forests, it is okay, because we need the sugar as well. We also need jobs. We need to increase the tax-base for our economy. But the whole forest should not be given away.
Antony Baguma, 37, consultant
Everyone knows the role of conserving forests. Already water levels in Lake Victoria are going down because of reduced rainfall. It was a decision by the President despite opinions from Parliament and Cabinet. Maybe the sugar cane investor should practice agro forest integration, so that as he grows his sugar cane, some tree species can as well remain.
David Nyakoojo, 34, vendor
It pains me so much to see our natural resources aimlessly given out for the sake of this so-called industrialisation. What is this kind of dangerous industrialisation? I know I am a poor man who cannot influence policies in this country. However, one day, someone is going to pay for all this environmental confusion; which comes from politicising all walks of life.
Joseph Owor, researcher
It is a very negative step by the government. We are wondering how a small group of people can decide to take on such a risk at the expense of the masses of beneficiaries. I think there should be huge protest against the whole idea.
Max Erizooba, 23, student
Everyone is aware of the dangers of global warming. It is a huge mistake. It will destabilise the eco-balance. The Government is putting so much attention to economic activities which will be costly in the long run. We are talking about the future generation here. What pride shall we present as a country?
Ann Suubi, student
Uganda has always praised statements like ‘conserving nature.’ I think its definition is going to change to ‘destroying nature’. The forest should not be given away. Anyone who feels proud as a Ugandan should not be in support of giving out our beauty.
Tumwiine Oswald, 30, accountant
Maybe this government is not aware that it is taking on a ‘no gain’ venture. Whereas we are developing one sector, we are crumbling another. We are preferring money from sugar production at the expense of tourism. We shall lose our potential tourists who come with other benefits like marketing Uganda. This will do more harm than good.
David Musingo, environmentalist
“How can you leave plenty of other land and go for Mabira?’’ There is a lot of land elsewhere and I don’t know why they are insisting on taking Mabira. This is a natural heritage. Once it is lost, it will never be recovered.’’
Dickens Kagarura, environmentalist
The Government is not serious. When President Yoweri Museveni came to power about two decades ago Mabira had many settlers because of the massive encroachment. He chased the encroachers to help the forest recover. It is ironical that the same Museveni has opened war on the environment. What should we do as citizens of this country? Does he not have good advice? If you look at the Forest Act, the Government should help the National Forestry Authority to plant trees and practice agro-forestry. Mabira provides many goods and services which sugarcane cannot provide. The rivers and streams that come from Mabira will dry up. Giving away Mabira is like signing a death warrant for Lake Victoria.
Francis Matovu, retired sales representative
The forests should be preserved. If they are not preserved, we are likely to suffer from desertification. These forests also harbour herbs and wildlife. The Government is talking of planting other forests. Are they going to also recover the vanished wildlife and herbs? Environmental issues should take an upper hand our country.
Compiled by Gerald Tenywa, Conan Businge, Ronald Humura and Florence Nakaayi.
Pictures taken by Godfrey Kimono and Roderick Ahimbazwe