Forests Under Siege NFA Cracks Down on Illegal Logging in Mabira

What started as a quiet operation deep in the heart of Mabira Central Forest Reserve (CFR), but by the time the dust settled, six men found themselves on the wrong side of the law. What was once a whisper of illegal logging and charcoal burning had grown into a full-fledged case, landing suspects in the dock at the Standards, Wildlife, and Utilities Chief Magistrate Court in Makindye.

The suspects, Twalik Mugabo and Sebufu Edrisa, were brought before Chief Magistrate Her Worship Kamasanyu Gladys Musenze, facing charges of unlawful possession of timber and charcoal. The National Forestry Authority (NFA), the government body responsible for managing Uganda’s forest reserves, alleges that the two were caught red-handed in Bulengeza village, Mukono District, on March 22, 2025. Their crime? Extracting and trading in forest resources without authorization—an act that has stripped many of Uganda’s once-thriving green spaces.

But what shocked many was not just the involvement of illegal loggers, but also those entrusted with protecting the forest. Four others—NFA patrolmen Mwebaze David and Twanamatsiko Winston, forest supervisor Ecima Joseph, and police officer PC Kipsanga Albert—were also in the dock. They weren’t charged with illegal logging, but with something just as troubling: neglect of duty. The state alleges that the four failed in their responsibility to safeguard the forest, allowing illegal activities to flourish under their watch.

In a packed courtroom, all six pleaded “Not Guilty.” But the magistrate wasn’t swayed, remanding them to prison until April 14, when they will reappear for a hearing and possible bail application.
For conservationists, this case is yet another stark reminder of the challenges facing Uganda’s forests. Illegal logging is more than just a crime—it’s an attack on the country’s natural heritage, threatening biodiversity, climate resilience, and the livelihoods of those who depend on these ecosystems.
With the trial set to continue in the coming weeks, the bigger question remains: How deep does this go? Are these six just the tip of the iceberg in a larger network of environmental crime? As the NFA continues its fight to protect Uganda’s forests, this case may serve as a defining moment in the battle against deforestation and impunity.

Stay tuned for updates as the story unfolds