Residents assured to benefit once Kafuga is gazetted into Local Forest Reserve

By Gerrard Niyirinda

The communities of Nkuringo Town Council bordering Kafuga pocket forest have been assured that they will continue to use the forest, even after it has been gazetted.

Kisoro District Local Government, Rubuguri and Nkuringo town councils with support from Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) have embarked on the process of gazetting Kafuga into a Local Forest Reserve.

Nkuringo residents, most of whom have been benefitting from the forest are Apiary farmers and gatherers of local herbs among others.

Located in Rubuguri and Nkuringo Town Council, Kafuga forest is one of the oldest and most unique forests in Kisoro district, however its existence continues to be threatened.

https://vomuhabura.com/gazetting-kafuga-into-local-forest-reserve-gains-momentum/

During an advocacy meeting with the residents, Senior Environmental officer Judith Muja said Kafuga plays a vital role in conserving the eco-system.

Muja explained that once a forest management plan has been put in place, the users of the forest will be allocated different zones to sustainably benefit from the pocket forest.

She says gazetting the pocket forest into a local forest reserve should be given immediate priority.

Beatrice Kabihogo, representative of Worldwide fund (WWF) said they are committed to see that the communities continue to benefit from their forest however conservation and sustainable use should be advocated for in order for future generations to benefit from Kafuga forest.

Kisoro district plans to have Kafuga gazetted into a Local Forest reserve before the end of 2022.