Kampala, Uganda | Members of Parliament on the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources have recommended amending the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act to return the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to the Ministry of Water and Environment.
This decision comes in response to concerns about overlapping roles among the NFA, the Forest Sector Support Department (FSSD) in the ministry, and the District Forestry Services, which reportedly cost the government billions annually.
The committee's report highlights that the duplication of responsibilities leads to inefficiencies and unnecessary expenditure. It suggests that merging the NFA’s mandate into the existing departmental structure will streamline operations and enhance oversight of forest sector development, including the management of both central and local forest reserves.
By integrating the NFA into the ministry, the report estimates potential savings of 22.1 billion Shillings in the current financial year, which could rise to 26.4 billion Shillings in the next. The report indicates that while some staff may lose their jobs, 80% of current NFA employees will be retained to ensure continuity in forest management tasks.
However, dissenting voices emerged from two MPs of the National Unity Platform, Christine Kkaaya Nakimwero and Suzan Mugabi, who penned a minority report. They argued that the proposed savings are unrealistic, as much of the budget allocated to the NFA is essential for the sustainable management of Central Forest Reserves.
They emphasized that the Authority has shown significant improvements in non-tax revenue collection, reporting an 83% increase in revenue over recent years.
The MPs asserted that instead of disbanding the NFA, efforts should focus on strengthening its capabilities to enhance financial independence. They highlighted the Authority's growth in revenue from 9.27 billion Shillings in 2020/21 to 16.983 billion Shillings in 2023/24, suggesting a robust financial trajectory.
This recommendation aligns with a cabinet policy from February 2021 aimed at rationalizing government agencies to reduce their impact on national resources. The debate continues as stakeholders assess the implications of merging the NFA back into the Ministry of Water and Environment.
