Wilson Ogalo, the commissioner of surveys and mapping in the ministry of lands, housing, and urban development says the boundary reopening will take two weeks and calls on area leaders, and residents to cooperate with the team on the ground.
Vincent Alpha Opio, the Kikuube LC 5 Vice Chairperson told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that they halted the exercise due to the failure by the NFA and ministry of lands to engage local leaders, area residents, and a private surveyor on behalf of the local community during the demarcation exercise.
The over 600 pieces of timber are suspected to have been harvested in Nyairongo area in Kikuube district where the land boundaries between the National Forestry Authority, Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and the community are in contest.
The suspects are Isa Kabalye, Fredrick Mashate all residents of Kampala, Robin Ongu, Jimmy Awio, and Felix Amuku, all residents of Olilim Sub County in Otuke district.
They were arrested during the joint operation conducted by the are leaders in conjunction with local residents against those cutting shear Nut trees for charcoal burning.
The restoration exercise dubbed "Environment, energy, forestry protection and conservation" is aimed at restoring 100 of the 150 hectares of the degraded forest land due to illegal activities by refugees from Kyangwali refugee settlement.
