Escalating Tensions in Uganda’s Nsoowe Central Forest Reserve: Pastoralists Accused of Destroying Tree Plantations
Gomba District, Uganda — A bitter conflict between pastoralists and licensed tree growers in Nsoowe Central Forest Reserve has reached a boiling point, with accusations of property destruction, threats, and violence. Authorities report that nearly 100 pastoralists accompanied by their cattle enter the forest daily, allegedly cutting down eucalyptus trees, burning workers’ property, and building makeshift shelters for their livestock.
The escalating tensions prompted a high-level inspection by security officials, including Resident District Commissioner Ronald Katende, the District Police Commander, and representatives of tree plantation investors. During the visit, officials discovered burnt houses, destroyed food supplies, and extensive damage to property belonging to licensed forest workers. Several pastoralists were arrested in connection with the destruction.
Katende condemned the actions, emphasizing that the tree planters were operating legally with government permits. “What we found here today is very unfortunate. Investors have spent huge sums of money planting trees, but the pastoralists are destroying them indiscriminately,” he said. He also raised concerns that some of the pastoralists might have crossed into Uganda from neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, noting that more than 600 cattle are driven into the forest daily.
Workers managing the plantations recounted harrowing experiences, alleging that pastoralists chased them away, stole their belongings, and even burned their homes. “They grabbed everything—clothes, seeds, farm chemicals—and burned our houses. We lost everything, including our national IDs,” one worker said. The investors estimate losses running into billions of Ugandan shillings and claim that powerful individuals have interfered with attempts to hold the pastoralists accountable.
However, pastoralist representatives have denied the allegations. George Abigaba, Gomba District Chairperson-elect, dismissed the claims as a ploy to secure compensation from President Yoweri Museveni. “There is no pastoralist cutting trees. This is a tactic by the tree planters to accuse us,” Abigaba insisted. He argued that many pastoralists are returning to land they believe historically belonged to them.
Nsoowe Central Forest Reserve has long been a hotspot for conflicts between pastoralists and tree plantation investors. The recurring disputes highlight broader issues of land rights, security, and sustainable forest management in Gomba District.
In response to the crisis, Katende expressed hope that the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) by the National Security Council could help restore order and protect investments in the forest.
As tensions persist, the situation underscores the urgent need for dialogue and clear policies to balance the competing interests of pastoralists, investors, and forest conservation efforts.
— Reported by Nexio News
