A devastating fire has ripped through Kagombe Central Forest Reserve, destroying 70 hectares of protected woodland in what authorities believe was a deliberate act of arson. The National Forestry Authority (NFA) estimates the damage at over 70 million shillings, dealing a severe blow to conservation efforts in western Uganda.

The fire, which swept through several sections of the 301 square kilometer reserve, consumed trees planted under major reforestation projects supported by international partners including the World Bank and WWF. Worst affected areas included Kabaale, Kyaterekera, and Nyabigata – zones that had seen significant regrowth after previous restoration work.

“This isn’t just about lost trees – it’s an attack on our natural heritage,” said Richard Sentuuro, the NFA Forest Supervisor for Kagombe Beat. His team is currently investigating the cause of the blaze, with early evidence pointing to human involvement. Under Uganda’s laws, arson in protected areas carries life imprisonment, while attempted arson can result in 14 years behind bars.

The Kagombe reserve, established in 1932, spans four districts – Kagadi, Kibaale, Kakumiro and Mubende. It forms part of Uganda’s critical network of protected forests that help regulate rainfall patterns, preserve biodiversity and combat climate change. The destroyed section contained mostly indigenous tree species that take decades to mature.

NFA has already begun planning restoration efforts. “We’ll replant during the coming rainy season,” Sentuuro assured, noting that partners like MTN Uganda and Toro Botanical Gardens remain committed to supporting reforestation. Sector Manager Richard Kyalisima revealed more ambitious plans – planting 200 new hectares in the next cycle while maintaining 1,376 previously restored hectares.

The incident has sparked outrage among conservation groups and local leaders. Many see it as part of a worrying trend of increasing attacks on protected forests. Some community members suspect the fire may have been set by illegal loggers or land grabbers – common threats facing Uganda’s forest reserves.

NFA officials are urging nearby communities to help protect these vital ecosystems. “Forests give us clean water, medicinal plants and stable weather patterns,” Kyalisima explained. “When they burn, we all lose.” The authority has established hotlines for reporting suspicious activity near forested areas.

This fire comes at a critical time for Uganda’s environmental protection efforts. The country has lost significant forest cover in recent decades, leading to more extreme weather events and declining water sources. Kagombe’s destruction highlights the ongoing challenges in safeguarding these natural resources against both human and climate threats.

As investigators work to identify those responsible, the NFA has vowed to pursue every legal avenue to ensure justice. Meanwhile, forest rangers are on high alert across Uganda’s protected areas, watching for any signs of similar attacks. The coming months will prove crucial as conservationists race to repair the damage before the next dry season arrives.

For local communities that depend on Kagombe’s ecosystem services, the fire represents more than lost trees – it threatens their water sources, traditional medicines and agricultural productivity. Many are now joining NFA’s call for greater community involvement in forest protection, recognizing that these natural treasures once lost may take generations to restore.