Leaders, environmental activists, and members of the public concerned about climate change have strongly opposed the government’s decision to allocate Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve in Entebbe to a Chinese investor for development. The project, confirmed by the Minister of State for Investment and Privatisation, Hon. Evelyn Anite, involves the construction of government offices and other modern facilities.

However, the plan has faced resistance from local leaders, including the Mayor of Entebbe, Fabrice Rulinda, who argues that the area already has sufficient hotels and infrastructure. The USD 500 million (about UGX 1.7 trillion) project is being spearheaded by Mr Paul Zhang, head of the Tian Tang Group, who confirmed that his proposal was approved by the Ministry of Investment. When contacted, Mr Emmanuel Mangiraguha, Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), stated that the forest management plan supports conservation through wise use, focusing on sustainable utilisation and eco-tourism.

Meanwhile, environmental activists have condemned the move, describing it as a threat to Uganda’s forest cover and climate resilience. Dickens Ochero, an environmental activist and Partnership and Resource Mobilisation Officer at Youth Go Green, described the development as “a battle to save Kitubulu.” Environmentalists warn that if the forest giveaway proceeds, Uganda’s climate change mitigation efforts could face serious setbacks in the future.