President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cancelled land titles within Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve to protect the fragile ecosystem surrounding Lake Victoria and halted the continued environmental degradation.
In a letter dated 23 December 2025 and addressed to the Minister of Water and Environment, Hon. Sam Cheptoris, the President described Kitubulu as a critical remnant of lowland forest that plays a vital role in filtering pollutants and silt that threaten the Lake Victoria basin.
He emphasized that preserving the reserve is essential for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection, stating that the forest “must be protected at all costs.
The letter also takes aim at failures within the National Forestry Authority (NFA), noting that despite its establishment in 2004 to protect Uganda’s forests, the country lost an estimated 1.1 million hectares of natural forest cover between 2004 and 2025.
The President attributed the loss to corruption and collusion in illegal activities, referencing past scandals involving senior officials and the illegal harvesting of high-value timber from central forest reserves.
President Museveni acknowledged that he had previously approved the development of a shopping mall, hotel, and mini city at Kitubulu, but said the decision was based on wrong information.
He instructed the Minister to work with the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Lands, the Uganda Investment Authority, and the Uganda Land Commission to secure alternative land outside protected areas for affected investors.
The directive orders the immediate cancellation of all titles within Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve and calls for an immediate halt to tree cutting.
The President also commended Entebbe Mayor Fabrice Rulinda for opposing what he termed “selfish and senseless anti-environmental groups.
The letter has renewed public discussion around land governance, conservation enforcement, and accountability in the management of protected areas, as environmental advocates call for swift implementation of the directive and long-term reforms to safeguard Uganda’s remaining forest reserves.
Meanwhile 4months ago, Government had proposed to give away the biggest part of forest reserve following senior government Evelyn Anite’s deal to give away over 1ooarces of forest land to a foreign investor.
The matter raised dust after the local community, politicians, media and students raised eye blows over the minister’s decision to destroy the forest reserve and bird sanctuary.
The local community last year, raised voices and planted new tree species in a restoration campaign under the flagship by the Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda of Entebbe Municipal Council.
Mayor Rulinda and Katabi Mayor Kalema Basamurekere combined voices with locals and attacked government over the development to destroy the green vegetation that has lasted for several years.(By PEACOCK KAWEESA & Agencies)
