“Cut no trees in Kabamba, Karama ‘now and in the future’”—Museveni warns

Oyam—24, November 2021: Uganda’s President, Yoweri Kaguta T. Museveni, 77, has warned the armed forces against degrading environment.

General Museveni issued the directive while passing out 543 graduands who had successfully completed the Armoured Crew Course Level 3, Intake 06 20/21 at Armoured Warfare Training School (AWTS) in Karama, Mubende district.

The ceremony took place on 19 November 2021.

According to a statement issued by the office of the defense spokesperson, “President issued a strong directive that no one should ever cut trees for any purpose in Kabamba and Karama now and in the future.”

“He, however, urged commanders to preserve the environment by desisting from deforestation,” statement adds.

“Karama means the land of Emirama trees which are indigenous to this area and important for environmental conservation. Am happy that you have preserved them and even planted other species like pine,” Gen. Museveni said.

Museveni also warned “all individuals and groups engaging in terrorist acts in the country that they will be perished because the security forces are much stronger now and better technology like CCTV cameras.” Read more: Museveni roots for combined arms combat.

Uganda forests’ data

Between 1990 and 2010, Uganda lost an average of 88,150 ha or 1.86% per year. In total, between 1990 and 2010, Uganda lost 37.1% of its forest cover, or around 1,763,000 ha.

Also, according to Global Forest Watch (GFW), from 2001 to 2020, Uganda lost 918kha of tree cover, equivalent to a 12% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 413Mt of CO₂e emissions.

From 2002 to 2020, GFW noted Uganda lost 67.9kha of humid primary forest, making up 7.6% of its total tree cover loss in the same time period. Total area of humid primary forest in Uganda decreased by 13% in this time period.

In Uganda, the top 8 regions were responsible for 54% of all tree cover loss between 2001 and 2020. Luwero had the most tree cover loss at 86.4kha compared to an average of 15.8kha.

As of 2010, the top 10 regions represent 50% of all tree cover. Gulu had the most tree cover at 590kha compared to an average of 119kha.

       Location of Tree Cover Loss in Uganda   vs    Location of Forest in Uganda

TABULATION by TND News, Data by GFW