Organisations withdraw from forestry dispute

Civil society organisations under the Save Bugoma Forest Campaign have withdrawn an appeal from Uganda’s Court of Appeal concerning the protection of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve. The Nile Post reports the coalition, including the Africa Institute for Energy Governance, the National Association of Professional Environmentalists and the Water & Environment Media Network, cited prolonged judicial delays and perceived bias as reasons for their decision. The legal action was originally initiated in September 2020 following the National Environment Management Authority's (Nema) issuance of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment certificate to Hoima Sugar Limited (HSL). This certificate permitted HSL to conduct potentially harmful activities, such as sugarcane cultivation and urban development, within the forest reserve. The organisations argued that Nema's approval violated multiple environmental regulations, including failing to adequately consult affected communities and bypassing public hearings for the controversial project. Despite their efforts, the High Court ruled in favour of HSL in May 2021, leading to continued deforestation. Efforts to expedite the appeal were met with further delays, and as a result, the forest has continued to suffer degradation. The organisations have expressed deep frustration with Uganda's judicial system, which they accuse of failing to protect critical ecosystems.