Established on April 2, 2004, under Section 52 of The National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, the National Forestry Authority (NFA) plays a crucial role in the sustainable management of Uganda’s forest resources. Guided by the Forestry Policy of 2001, NFA is dedicated to promoting the health and productivity of Central Forest Reserves while delivering high-quality forestry-related products and services to government entities, local communities, and the private sector.
NFA’s core mandate is to manage Central Forest Reserves sustainably, ensuring they provide valuable resources and services. This commitment underscores the Authority’s goal of fostering environmental conservation and enhancing community livelihoods through responsible forestry practices. It offers a diverse range of products and services including tree seedlings, Biomass monitoring, Eco-tourism and maintaining a comprehensive inventory of forest reserves for better management and planning.
NFA is at the forefront of sustainable forest management in Uganda. Through its comprehensive approach to managing Central Forest Reserves, promoting eco-tourism, and engaging with stakeholders, NFA is not only protecting Uganda’s rich forest resources but also improving the livelihoods of communities that depend on these vital ecosystems. It has made significant strides in promoting sustainable forest management and community engagement:
- Stakeholder Engagement: NFA has doubled its efforts to engage with various stakeholders, including central and local governments, private sector players, civil society, and forest-edge communities. These efforts focus on civic education, advocacy, networking, and skills transfer to enhance forest governance, transparency, and accountability.
- Technological Advancements: The procurement of 41 computers and 10 motorcycles has bolstered ICT capabilities and improved operational efficiency across both field offices and headquarters.
- Forest Plantation Investments: NFA has prioritized the maintenance of existing plantations, with thinning, pruning, and fire break establishment covering 3,516 hectares in key areas like Mafuga, Mbarara, and South Busoga. Additionally, the Authority registered 1,091 hectares of new plantations across several Central Forest Reserves, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s forestry resources.
- Forest Restoration Initiatives: Significant efforts have been made towards restoring degraded areas and maintaining the integrity of Central Forest Reserves. This includes reopening 285 kilometers of forest boundaries, marking them with concrete pillars, securing over 30,000 hectares of encroached forest land, and conducting enrichment planting on 569 hectares of degraded forest.
- Research and Development: NFA actively supports demand-driven research, granting 37 research licenses to national and international students, thereby enhancing the body of knowledge surrounding both plantations and natural forests.
As it continues to innovate and adapt to emerging challenges, NFA remains committed to ensuring that Uganda’s forests thrive for future generations.