Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve
Kitubulu forest
Tourists in Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve in Entebbe, Central Uganda
LocationCentral Region, Uganda
Nearest cityEntebbe district
Coordinates00°04′39″N 32°30′00″E / 0.07750°N 32.50000°E / 0.07750; 32.50000
Area80 ha (200 acres)
Governing bodyNational Forestry Authority

Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve is a protected area located in Uganda, near the city of Entebbe in Central Uganda. Covering an area of 80 hectares, it is an important forest ecosystem that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The reserve is categorized as a Category IV protected area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating its significance for the preservation of biological diversity and the protection of ecosystems.[1][2] The forest reserve is situated in Central Uganda and is protected by the National Forestry Authority under the National Forest and Tree Planting Act.[3][4][5][6] The forest reserve was gazetted in 1932 to protect Lake Victoria and the environment.[7]

Settings and structure

The forest reserve lies on the northeast side of Entebbe Bay, south of Kampala City. Kitubulu forest reserve is a vital remnant of the lowland woods that surround Lake Victoria, filtering water pollutants and silt that endanger the basin. Preservation of the forest reserve is important for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems, and for the protection of the Lake Victoria basin.[8] Kitubulu is an evergreen canopy rainforest with a dense evergreen canopy.[9]

The commemorative tree planting at Kitubulu forest reserve in 2007 by delegates from the National Forestry Authority and the Queen of the United Kingdom during the Commonwealth meeting in Uganda highlights the importance of preserving forest ecosystems and the efforts being made to address the issue of deforestation. While initiatives such as sustainable land use practices and community forestry projects are being adopted, the issue of reconciling the requirements of an expanding population in Entebbe and Uganda with conservation efforts continues.[10]

Threats and interventions

Despite its designation as a forest reserve by the government, the Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve has faced alarming levels of environmental degradation due to human encroachment. Activities such as unmonitored farming, logging, and mining have had a detrimental impact on the ecosystem within the forest reserve.[11][8][12] While the environmental degradation caused by human encroachment is a significant concern, there is ongoing work to restore and protect the Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve. Collaborative efforts involving the government, local communities, and conservation organizations are crucial in ensuring the long-term conservation and sustainable management of these valuable forest ecosystems.[13]

Despite the positive publicity Kitubulu received for its status as a protected forest reserve, several acres (more than 2 acres) of lakeshore land have been sold, and the remainder is under threat. In 2018, part of the forest was fenced off by a developer who later constructed cottages and lodges for revellers. Entebbe Municipality probed the sale of plots in Kitubulu Forest and the NFA said that the developer was cleared to set up an ecotourism project and would be closely supervised by the forestry body.[14] In January 2022, the Member of Parliament for Entebbe Municipality led an enforcement squad to raze concrete fencing poles erected unlawfully by the developer around Kitubulu Forest Reserve.[7][15][16][17]

In 2022, the National Forestry Authority (NFA) cleared the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces to sustainably occupy part (one acre) of Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve in Entebbe Municipality. The FPU was given permission for one year to temporarily establish its headquarters and a storage facility for impounded boats.[9][13]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Kitubulu Forest forest(s), Central Region, Uganda". ug.geoview.info. Archived from the original on 2023-06-11. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  2. ↑ Johnson-Pynn, J. S., Johnson, L. R., Kityo, R., & Lugumya, D. (2014). Students and scientists connect with nature in Uganda, East Africa.
  3. ↑ "NFA | National Forestry Authority - Mandated to manage all central forestry reserves by Government of Uganda". www.nfa.go.ug. Archived from the original on 2023-06-09. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  4. ↑ "National Forest and Tree Planting Act, 2003 (No. 8 of 2003)". www.ecolex.org. Archived from the original on 2023-06-05. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  5. ↑ "National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003, 2003 | Uganda Legal Information Institute". old.ulii.org. Archived from the original on 2023-05-17. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  6. ↑ Kityo, Robert M. "Students and Scientists Connect with Nature in Uganda, East Africa". International Journal of Environmental and Science Education. Archived from the original on 2023-08-28. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  7. 1 2 Rukundo, Tom (2022-01-28). "NFA, Entebbe MP kakembo block kitubulu Central forest reserve developer". Entebbe Post. Archived from the original on 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  8. 1 2 Jovanelly, T. J., Johnson-Pynn, J., Okot-Okumu, J., Nyenje, R., & Namaganda, E. (2015). Pioneering water quality data on the Lake Victoria watershed: effects on human health. Journal of Water and Health, 13(3), 920-930.
  9. 1 2 "NFA clears army to use Kitubulu forest land". Monitor. 2022-03-04. Archived from the original on 2023-06-11. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  10. ↑ Jovanelly, Tamie (2012-01-01). "A Preliminary Investigation of Water and Soil Quality in Four Forest Reserves Near Kampala, Uganda". Archived from the original on 2023-08-28. Retrieved 2023-06-11. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. ↑ Kayanja, F. I. B.; Byarugaba, D. (2001). "Disappearing forests of Uganda: The way forward". Current Science. 81 (8): 936–947. ISSN 0011-3891. JSTOR 24106518. Archived from the original on 2023-06-11. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
  12. ↑ Wittea, F., J.H. Waninkab, and M. Kishe-Machumuac. 2007. Species distinction and the biodiversity crisis in Lake Victoria. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, Vol. 136(4), pp. 1146-1159.
  13. 1 2 Mugisha, R.A. 2002. Evaluation of community-based conservation approaches: Management of protected areas in Uganda. A manuscript submitted to the University of Florida for the PhD. Gainesville: University of Florida.
  14. ↑ Ssebuyira, M. December 20, 2011. Entebbe Municipality probes sale of plots in Kitubulu Forest. Daily Monitor on-line submission.
  15. ↑ "NFA, Entebbe leaders block illegal Kitubulu forest reserve developer". Uganda. 2022-01-28. Archived from the original on 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  16. ↑ Keikuza, Mwiza (2022-01-29). "Entebbe Mayor Petitions NFA Over Kitubulu Forest Reserve Land Grabber". MediaScape News. Archived from the original on 2023-08-28. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  17. ↑ "NFA moves to reclaim degraded forest land". The Independent Uganda. 2021-09-16. Archived from the original on 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
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