President Yoweri Museveni has directed the ministry of Water and Environment to cancel all the land titles issued in Kitubulu forest reserve in Entebbe located in Entebbe Municipality.
In a letter dated 23rd December 2025 addressed to the ministry’s line minister Hon Sam Cheptoris, President Museveni orders the minister to cancel all previously issued out land titles to protect the reserve which helps to filter pollutants and silt that endanger the Lake Victoria basin.
“Preserving that Forest Reserve is important for biodiversity and ecosystem conservation and for protecting the Lake Victoria basin; therefore, it must be protected at all costs” Museveni Said.
President Museveni further decried the loss of 1.1 million hectares of natural forest cover between 2004 and 2025 under the watch of the National Forestry Authority (NFA) which was established in 2004 to curb deforestation.
“Why? Because of corruption and collusion in illegal activities. Do you remember Damian Akankwasa, the former Executive Director of the NFA who kept 900 million under his bed? What was the source of that money? Collusion with traders to illegally cut high-value trees for timber in the central forest reserve, which he was mandated to protect” Museveni stated.
The president further refuted allegations that he approved the development of a shopping mall, hotel, and a mini city where the forest reserve currently occupies and further directed Minister Cheptoris to liase with the Prime Minister, Minister for Lands, Uganda Investment Authority and the Uganda Land Commission to get investors alternative land outside protected areas.
“This is, therefore, to direct you to cancel all titles issued in the Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve. Ensure that the cutting of trees stops immediately” Museveni ordered.
