The motion was in a response to a letter from Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities requesting Augbashogorora where Kalinzu and Imaramagambo forests are found to pave way for their upgrade since the line ministry was reviewing the National Wildlife Protected Areas Systems Plan (2002).
Rubirizi
district council has unanimously passed a motion to pave way for the elevation of Kalinzu and Imaramagambo Forest Reserves into a National park. The two Forest reserves will be annexed to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which covers Rubirizi, Kanungu, Kasese, and Rukungiri districts, covering about 1978 square kilometers.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is Uganda's largest national park. On Tuesday, the Rubirizi District LC V Chairperson, Sylvester Augbashogorora tabled a motion during an
extraordinary council session for the elevation of Kalinzu and Imaramagambo Forest Reserves into a National park.
The motion was in a response to a letter from Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife
and Antiquities requesting Augbashogorora where Kalinzu and Imaramagambo
forests are found to pave way for their upgrade since the line ministry was
reviewing the National Wildlife Protected Areas Systems Plan (2002) to conserve
wildlife resources in a manner that contributes to the sustainable
development of the nation and the well-being of its people.
In his motion, Augbashogora said that both the district and National Forestry Authority-NFA have failed to protect the forest
reserves. He explained that elevating the forest reserves would benefit residents more and contribute to local revenue collection in the district.
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…kutungura abantu beitu.”//
Stephen
Katwesiga, the Rubirizi District Speaker, said despite the council's approval, they want the Ministry to offer them as leaders a study tour to some areas that were elevated earlier to understand the livelihood of the people around them.
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“abantu ahansi babeire…
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…kufuka national park.”//
Valentino
Byamukama, the district LC V Vice Chairperson expressed concern on whether or not the
government will fulfill its obligations of constructing a fence around the
park with the additional size since part of the park isn't fenced. He also asked the ministry to allow the people who had agreements with NFA to plant trees to complete their term.
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…bazibashashure babone kurugamu.’//
Gerrard
Baluku, the Senior Wildlife Officer Ministry of Tourism, says that the upgrade of
the forest reserves will give more space for the protection of wildlife and
other natural species among other benefits of development. He adds that
the program also covers Budongo, Bugoma, Echuya, Mabira, Katonga, and
Semiliki forest reserves in Tooro.
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“program teri omuri…
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…abantu aba byetorweire.”//
Bashir Hangi, the Communications Manager of Uganda Wildlife Authority, says that the Authority
welcomes the decision of upgrading the forest reserves noting that it gives
them an added responsibility and bigger estate.
