NRM boss on spot over illegal logging of endangered tree species in Amuru

Local leaders in Amuru District have accused the National Resistance Movement [NRM] party Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, Mr Sam Engola, of engaging in the illegal trade of the banned tree species in the district.

The leaders say the NRM boss has deployed his casual workers in Pogo Parish, Pabbo Sub-County where they are felling Afzelia africana, commonly known as [Beyo] trees.
The allegations comes at the time of the temporary ban issued by the Minister of state for Water and Environment, Ms Mary Goretti Kitutu Kimono, in February.

The minister suspended any cutting, transportation and sale of Afzelia africana tree logs and sheanut tree.
Mr Samuel Ladide Oryem, the LC III Councilor Pogo Parish told Daily Monitor in an interview that they intercepted a truck carrying Afzelia africana logs, but they were warned not to interfere with the business since it belonged to Mr Engola.

“Recently we tried to intercept a vehicle which was carrying Afzelia africana logs but the driver and occupants told us it was Mr Engola’s business. They even called him on phone at that moment and in our conversation with Engola, he told me never to mess up with his business,” Mr Oryem said.
Mr Oryem noted that the rate at which the Afzelia africana trees are being cut in the area is alarming adding that if unchecked; the trees specie will be extinct in the near future.

“These people behind the tree logging in this area are untouchable; they are powerful…. Our continuous intervention to make them stop the vice has not yielded any fruit.” Mr Oryem said.
Mr Oryem called on the Environment Minister to intervene and handle the matter since the local officials are incapable of stopping these ‘untouchables’.

The District Chairperson Mr Michael Lakony said they have got reports pinning Mr Engola over allegations of cutting Afzelia africana trees in the district.
“What is happening in the district is totally against the temporary ban issued in the harvest and cutting of Afzelia africana trees. We are protesting the manner in which some government officials are exercising their powers into degrading the environment,” Mr Lakony said.

He said the district has made investigations and found out that the logs are being transported to central Uganda before being exported to Asian countries for processing.

Denied allegations
When contacted for a comment on the matter, Mr Engola however denied any involvement in illegal timber cutting adding that some people are using his name in the timber business for their selfish gains.
He noted that unscrupulous individuals of late are moving around deceiving locals that him, (Engola), and others are issuing permits to timber dealers in the country.

“Many people are calling me currently asking for permission to cut down trees alleging that I am in charge, these could be the same people who cut the trees while using my name. I don’t deal in timber products and I cannot do such,” Mr Engola said.

Afzelia africana tree species considered endangered are only found within the Acholi and West Nile regions in Northern Uganda. The tree species is at the verge of extinction due to uncontrolled, rampant, illegal harvesting and trade in Asian countries.

A 2016 Joint Water and Environment Sector Review Report reveals that forest cover has reduced from 24 per cent in 1990 to just 11 per cent in 2015.

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