Forest Supervisor Over Theft During Controversial Charcoal Operation

Summary:

• A National Forestry Authority (NFA) Forest Supervisor, Mr. Joseph Ayebale, is accused of stealing Shs2.15m from a Nyairongo Village resident during a nighttime operation to apprehend an individual allegedly involved in illegal charcoal production in Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, leading to clashes with residents and skepticism from the NFA about the robbery claims.

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A Forest Supervisor affiliated with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) faces accusations of allegedly stealing Shs2.15m from a resident of Nyairongo Village in Kikuube District during an operation aimed at apprehending an individual suspected of storing illegally obtained charcoal from Bugoma Central Forest Reserve.

The accused individual, identified as Mr. Joseph Ayebale, holds the position of supervisor in charge of Kaseeta.

After the alleged incident, a case was registered under SD: Ref 06/05/01/2024 at Kyarushesha Police Post. The complainant, Mr. Derick Tusabire, claims that the robbery occurred around 9 pm on Friday.

Tusabire alleges that during the crime, Mr. Ayebale was accompanied by an armed individual in military attire. This person arrived at approximately 6:30 pm, returned at 7:30 pm, and again at 9 pm when they forcefully entered his residence.

Mr. Desire Nkurunziza, the Nyairongo Village Chairman, was informed of the incident by the officer in charge of Katooke police beat, Corporal James Ahebwa. Ahebwa stated that he tried to intervene, but NFA officials proceeded with the operation despite opposition from residents, leading to violence.

The police officer in charge advised the NFA to halt the search and resume it in the morning, but the advice was disregarded.

Katooke police beat is part of the police unit assigned to provide security for Hoima Sugar Limited, the government-recognized investor on the disputed land between Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom (BKK) and the NFA.

The NFA believes that the suspect, who turned out to be the complainant, illegally burned charcoal inside Bugoma forest reserve. However, Tusabire informed the police that he burned tree stumps on Hoima Sugar Limited land.

In response to inquiries, Mr. Alex Obonyo, the NFA Kisindi Sector Manager, denied the allegation that their staff member was involved in robbery. He explained that they went on official duty to confiscate charcoal but withdrew to avoid violence when suspects and residents became aggressive. While not disputing other claims, he emphasized that evidence of robbery would be provided, expressing disbelief at the idea of keeping large sums of money in bags of charcoal.

When questioned about conducting the operation at night, Mr. Obonyo asserted that they are authorized to work 24 hours, as most illegal activities occur during nighttime.