OPINION
On November 8, 2022, the European Union (EU) and the Government of Uganda entered into a landmark agreement, the EU-Uganda Forest Partnership. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was a bold step towards reversing deforestation, restoring degraded forests, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting sustainable forest management. Under this partnership, Uganda committed to increasing forest coverage to 21% by 2030, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 22%, and creating forest-related decent jobs, among other laudable goals.
Following the MoU, a roadmap for implementation was developed offering hope for a future where Uganda’s forests could thrive. Yet, despite these efforts and public commitments, the reality on the ground paints a distressing picture.
Bugoma Central Forest Reserve (CFR), one of Uganda’s last remaining tropical rainforests, continues to be destroyed at an alarming rate. Hoima Sugar Limited (HSL) and other entities have persistently degraded this vital ecosystem, violating not only environmental laws but also the conditions set by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). Shockingly, the restoration order NEMA issued in September 2022 to HSL remains unimplemented. This blatant impunity undermines Uganda’s credibility and threatens both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
Beyond Bugoma, other critical forests such as Budongo, Zoka, and Wambabya are also under threat. Oil activities under the Kingfisher, Tilenga, and EACOP projects are placing immense pressure on key ecosystems including Lake Albert, the Nile, Lake Victoria, wetlands, and Murchison Falls National Park. Forest cover has dwindled to a mere 13.3%, far below the 21% target. At this rate, Uganda risks falling short of its commitments under the EU partnership and international environmental agreements.
The EU-Uganda forest partnership presents a unique opportunity to reverse environmental degradation and build a greener future. The time to act is now. Let us not allow forest destruction to continue unchecked while we watch in silence. Let this partnership be a living reality and not just ink on paper.
Rachael Amongin
Communications Assistant at AFIEGO
