By APN Reporter
apearlnews.com
Conservationists and political leaders in Kabale, Rubanda, and Kisoro
Districts are accusing Rwandan nationals of stealing fertile soils from
Echuya Central Forest Reserve.
The concern was raised yesterday during the sixth Biodiversity Conservation
Nature organized the Echuya Landscape Forum (BCF) conference for Echuya Landscape.
Uganda at the Cephas Inn hotel in Kabale Municipality. The Biodiversity
The Conservation Forum was established in 2008 under the People Partner with
The Nature programme of Nature Uganda is funded by Birdlife Partner in Denmark.
(DOF) with the objective of sharing lessons learnt, best practices, and
Achievements, challenges, and opportunities for conservation in the landscape
of Kashyoha Kitomi Echuya.
The Executive Director of Nature Uganda, Achilles Byaruhanga, said that
Rwandans who border the Echuya Forest Reserve, especially in Kashasha parish in
Bufundi sub-county of Rubanda district has on several occasions crossed
They go into the forest and dig for fertile loam soil, which they take to use as
fertilizers and manure in their gardens back home. He also accused some
’employees for colluding with locals’
carryout activities like deforestation, animal grazing, and farming, which
threatens the forest.
The Kisoro District Chairperson, Abel Bizimana, also blamed the Sub County and
parish chiefs and security for failing to work to apprehend people who go
to destroy the forest. He called for joint efforts to protect the Echuya Forest.
Reserve it for the future generation.
The Echuya Forest Reserve Supervisor, Hebert Turyahabwa, admitted that
Rwandans travel to the Echuya forest to collect loam soil and humus for their farms.
gardens. He, however, said that they are collaborating with Uganda.
to step up operations in the forest in order to
The perpetrators were apprehended.
