Gerald Tenywa
30 November 2008
Kampala — A private group tracking the illegal trade in forest produce in four districts around Kampala has impounded 15 lorry-loads of timber and charcoal over the past two weeks.
"We have impounded illegal consignments of timber and charcoal coming from forest reserves," said Hapimbaza Hashaka, the National Coordinator of the Uganda Timber, Charcoal, and Firewood Dealers Association.
Hashaka, who is also the Resident District Commissioner for Tororo, said some of the impounded illegal produce belongs to Government officials, including district forestry officials and security operatives.
He said his team is operating in the districts of Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso and Mpigi in Central Uganda.
"We approached NFA after realising that things were getting out of hand," said Hashaka. "This was after doing research and presenting a work-plan to NFA."
The association was authorised by the Government to work as an NGO two years ago. In October they signed a memorandum of understanding with NFA to crack down on the illegal timber trade in the four districts.
"We have started working with this group because some of their members live near forest reserves and can provide information," said Paul Buyera, the director of Corporate Affairs at the NFA.
"They can liaise with lawful agencies like the Police, the army and NFA and arrest lorries carrying illegal timber."
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