UJCC joins campaign to save Bugoma
ENVIRONMENT |
The campaign to save Bugoma has gained momentum after Vision Group ran a series of articles highlighting the dangers of clearing Bugoma forest for sugar cane growing.
The latest to join the campaign are the Uganda Joint Christian Council (UJCC) who have condemned any activity towards the destruction of Bugoma forest and described such acts as evil.
Samuel Kahuma, the bishop of Bunyoro Kitara diocese said people who want to destroy Bugoma think they are the first on earth and the last.
Quoting Genesis chapter 2:15 Kahuma said "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work in it and take care of it but not destroy it."
He said the Church categorically condemns all acts of destroying Bugoma forest including other forests and wetlands because it's against the will of God.
UJCC comprises of Catholics, Anglicans, and Orthodox Christians who have collectively denounced any plans to turn part of Bugoma forest into a sugarcane plantation.
Bishop Kahuma said the increasing destruction of forests and other habitats for wild animals has led to the increased human-wildlife conflict where chimpanzees are snatching children from their mothers in broad daylight.
He added that as religious leaders they would have sinned if they don't come out to condemn the destruction of Bugoma forest because sinning is either by commission or omission.
"It would be bad if we, the religious leaders keep quiet as forests are being destroyed and that would tantamount to sinning by omission," said Kahuma.
Rev. Fr. Constantine Mbonabingi, the executive secretary of UJCC said the save Mabira campaign led to street demonstrations and the death of people which was a bad experience which they don't want to see happen again.
Mbonabingi noted that clearing a natural forest for sugar cane growing is unfortunate, which must be stopped.
"Destroying a natural forest for sugar cane growing is being unconscious of the values of a forest and impacts that follow its erasure. We have seen terrible impacts arising out of tree cutting in Bududa, along Lake Victoria, in Kabale, Kasese, and many other areas including Bunyoro," said Mbonabingi.
He said that the impacts have led to the destruction of gardens and property, displacement of people, destruction of livelihood sources, and death of people.
Mbonabingi said forest destruction has led to an increased number of orphans, school dropouts, early marriages and the cutting down of Bugoma will make things worse.
He said that UJCC condemns any acts that are failing the efforts to address the challenges.
"Deploying the military and police to the forest should be stopped. Let the people continue to live in harmony with forests. We condemn the insensitive acts of the National Environment management authority (NEMA) for approving the environment and social impact assessment report that allowed the cutting of part of Bugoma," said Mbonabingi.
He said as religious leaders they are not happy with the deployment of security forces threatening, harassing, and preventing the community from accessing the forest and the acts of cutting down the trees.
Mbonabingi said that leaders, including the President, should not just look on when Bugoma is getting destroyed.
"Taking no action on this matter means that you do not care about the people and you don't care whether they are suffering, moreover in the hands of the military forces," said Mbonabingi.
Fr. Emmanuel Ssekyewa, who represented the Orthodox Metropolitan, said it's breaking to hear that the government authorized the cutting down of a natural forest for sugar cane growing given the adverse climatic conditions the country is experiencing.
"There is no way a person can allow the cutting down of a natural forest with the prevailing adverse weather conditions in the country. It's being selfish and greedy," said Ssekyewa.
The UJCC team visited part of Bugoma forest and planted trees at Kaseeta Catholic Church which is adjacent to Bugoma central forest reserve as a sign of promoting the protection of the environment.
The importance of Bugoma forest
Bugoma central forest reserve is a tropical high forest located in Kisindi Sector, Kikuube district and some small portion in Hoima district with an area of 41,144 hectares and is a habitat for over 500 chimpanzees, 201 recorded bird species, and a special species of primates called the Ugandan mangabeys.
The forest reserve has been cut off the Budongo forest range, with reserve patches of Bujawe and Wambabya forests being the only corridors remaining.
It is important for climatic rainfall experienced in the area and is seen as the remaining hope to absorb poisonous gasses that will emanate from the oil refinery which is adjacent to Bugoma forest.