By Jamila Kemigisa
Bunyangabu District Local Government has taken a firm stance against environmental degradation, reaffirming its commitment to conservation by cracking down on individuals encroaching on protected areas.
A press statement issued on March 4, 2025, by Communication Officer Christopher Tusiime, highlights the district’s ongoing initiatives to restore wetlands, rivers, and forest reserves that have been impacted by illegal human activities. The latest enforcement effort involves the case of Mr. Gerald Akugizibwe, a resident of Nyakigumba Town Council, who was allegedly found illegally cutting down trees and uprooting boundary markers within Nyakigumba Local Forest Reserve.
Despite receiving multiple warnings from local authorities, Akugizibwe continued his illegal activities, leaving the district with no alternative but to escalate the matter legally. He has since been arrested and transferred to Kibiito Central Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The Bunyangabu District Local Government has made it clear that illegal encroachment on protected areas will not be tolerated. Authorities urge all residents to respect conservation laws and work alongside the district leadership to ensure the protection of natural resources for present and future generations.
The district is calling on local leaders, environmentalists, and community members to collaborate in restoring and sustainably managing wetlands, rivers, and forests. Officials warn that any individuals caught encroaching on protected land will face the full force of the law.
Nyakigumba Local Forest Reserve was officially gazetted in 1998 to protect the region’s biodiversity and ecosystem. However, illegal encroachment over the years has posed a severe threat to its sustainability. To combat this, the Bunyangabu District Local Government has implemented various conservation measures, including:
✅ Community sensitization programs to raise awareness on the importance of protecting natural resources.
✅ Issuing multiple official warnings to individuals engaging in illegal activities.
✅ Taking legal action against persistent offenders to enforce conservation laws.
The case of Mr. Akugizibwe serves as a warning to other individuals engaging in similar activities. District authorities emphasize that anyone violating environmental protection laws will be held accountable and prosecuted accordingly.
