NFA accused of encroaching on public land in Masindi
“Once I receive the petition, I will write to NFA and ensure that the boundaries are reviewed,” Nandida assured.
Masindi: Residents from six villages in Nyantonzi Sub-county, Masindi District plan to petition the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) over allegations that the National Forestry Authority (NFA) has encroached on their land.
The affected villages include Nyantonzi, Rwengabi, Kyebabito, Bisaju, Ogadra, and Kasenene.
During a district meeting for the launch of a road construction project at Rwengabi Trading Center, Kasenene Parish, Eyotu Sunday, the Nyantonzi Sub-county Chairperson, accused NFA of demarcating community farmland as part of a central forest reserve in 2023.
Eyotu stated that community members were not represented by their own surveyor when NFA conducted the boundary mapping.
“Previously recognized community farmland has now been included in the forest reserve. There is suspicion that large portions of land have been wrongly incorporated, affecting many residents,” Eyotu said.
He added that they intend to petition the RDC’s office, copying in the area MP and LC5 Chairperson, to demand that NFA reopens its boundaries in the presence of a community representative.
Bujenje County MP, Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha, acknowledged the concerns, noting that the demarcation lines appear to have shifted over time, encroaching on community settlements.
“Elders recall that the original boundary marks were much further away. However, over time, they seem to be moving deeper into the community,” Nyendoha said.
He encouraged local leaders to file a formal petition and request a thorough resurvey, comparing old and new maps to ensure fair boundary mapping.
“In some areas, the boundary line has significantly shifted into community land. I encourage the leaders to file a petition and provide me with a copy for follow-up,” Nyendoha stated.
Masindi RDC, Darius Nandinda, instructed LC3 Chairperson Eyotu to formally submit a petition regarding the alleged NFA encroachment.
“Once I receive the petition, I will write to NFA and ensure that the boundaries are reviewed,” Nandida assured.
When contacted for comment, NFA spokesperson Aldon Walukamba denied the claims, insisting that the affected areas are officially designated forest reserves that have been properly demarcated.
“It is unfortunate that such issues arise, especially in a political year. We work with communities to protect and develop forests. If anyone is aggrieved, they should present their evidence and petition through proper channels, and the matter will be addressed,” Walukamba stated.
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