Kampala, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has ordered an urgent investigation into the ongoing destruction and degradation of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, raising concerns over alleged involvement of security forces.
In a letter dated February 23, 2026, addressed to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the President said he had received reports about continued forest degradation despite earlier directives to halt the activities.
“I have received a letter dated the 6th of October, 2025, from Hon. Tom Butime regarding the degradation, deforestation and encroachment of the Bugoma Forest Reserve,” Museveni wrote.
The President expressed concern that illegal activities were still ongoing and called for immediate action, including a detailed report on the situation.
“I have also been informed that UPDF is involved in charcoal burning in the forest,” he added.
Museveni directed that a copy of the October 2025 letter be used to guide investigations into the alleged illegal activities and instructed authorities to take over protection of the forest.
“The role of protecting the forest… the encroachers must be evicted without exception,” the letter reads in part.
He further emphasized that those found illegally operating in the forest should not be compensated.
“You have just come from the bush. There was no human settlement… all encroachers are recent and deliberate, knowing that they are invading a Government property,” Museveni stated.
Bugoma Forest has in recent years been at the center of controversy involving land use, conservation, and industrial interests, with environmentalists warning of its ecological importance as a natural habitat and carbon sink.
The latest directive signals renewed government attention to forest conservation, particularly amid growing pressure to curb deforestation and enforce environmental protection laws.
Authorities are yet to publicly respond on the specific allegations involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
