FORESTS

Forestry makes a crucial contribution to the ecol- ogy and energy needs of Uganda. Uganda’s forest resources are an essential foundation for the coun- try’s current and future livelihood and growth. The overwhelming majority of Uganda’s household en- ergy requirement is generated by forests. Forestry resources contribute six percent of GDP, and the sector employs 100,000 people directly and an- other 750,000 indirectly.17

Forestry supports wild-

life and other forms of biodiversity vital for the country’s future heritage, as well as for generating foreign exchange through tourism. As such Ugan- da’s forests and woodlands are central to the three pillars of sustainable development – economy, so- ciety, and environment.

There are 698 gazetted forest reserves in Uganda, and these constitute both local and central forest reserves. The National Forestry Authority (NFA) manages central forest reserves, the Uganda Wild- life Authority (UWA) manages forests in national parks and wildlife reserves, while local forest re- serves fall under the mandate of local governments (District Forestry Services).

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