Africa-Press – Uganda. Environmental activists in Adjumani District have launched a series of community dialogues aimed at strengthening local involvement in environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management.
These efforts are part of a broader campaign to conserve Zoka Central Forest Reserve—Northern Uganda’s only remaining tropical rainforest—which is increasingly threatened by illegal logging, charcoal production, and land encroachment.
Amanzuru William Leslie, Team Leader of Friends of Zoka, emphasised the importance of empowering local communities to take ownership of forest conservation efforts.
He noted that “Zoka Forest harbors rich biodiversity, including the endangered Afzelia africana tree species, which is being heavily targeted by illegal loggers”.
Activists revealed that the rising demand for timber and charcoal has fuelled rampant tree felling, especially of valuable species like mahogany and Afzelia, often without permits and in violation of conservation laws.
Unauthorised farming, settlement, and land grabbing within the forest boundaries continue to degrade the ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity loss and accelerated deforestation.
Korina Iwakodra, the Adjumani District Secretary for Production, highlighted the need for improved waste management systems in both urban and rural settings.
“We all know that we have poor garbage management systems, as most of the waste generated at the household level ends up in nearby streams, which affects our ecosystems,” she said.
Francis Ojja, the Adjumani District Forest Officer, acknowledged that despite ongoing climate change mitigation efforts, widespread environmental degradation remains a major concern.
“We are advocating for the use of energy-saving stoves. Additionally, an environmental management policy is currently under discussion at the Ministry level to ensure sustainable use of natural resources,” he added.
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness Simon Suru Baru, Paramount Chief of the Ma’di people, expressed alarm at the continued destruction of Zoka Forest.
“It’s sad to see several trucks and motorcycles loaded with charcoal emerging from Zoka Central Forest Reserve, which is a protected area. There is a need to rethink our approach and enforce the existing district environmental by-laws,” he remarked.
Friends of Zoka, in partnership with the Green Grants Fund (GGF), is implementing a six-month project titled “Strengthening the Capacity of Environmental Defenders.”
The initiative aims to empower environmental defenders to organize, voice concerns, access critical environmental information, and meaningfully participate in decisions impacting their environment and livelihoods.
Zoka Central Forest Reserve, located in the southern part of Adjumani District, spans approximately 1,259 hectares. It is the only natural forest resource in the district, situated within Itirikwa and Ukusijoni sub-counties, and forms part of the broader East Ma’di Wildlife Reserve.
The forest plays a vital role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and providing essential ecosystem services. It supports over 50 mammalian species, more than 180 bird species, and serves as a carbon sink, water catchment area, and buffer against soil erosion.
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