"Environmentalists appeal against Bugoma forest giveaway decision"

Environmentalists have filed a notice of appeal to contest a judgement dismissing an application challenging the giveaway of Bugoma central forest reserve for sugarcane growing. Last year, the Water and Environment Media Network, National Association of Professional Environmentalists-NAPE, and Africa Institute for Energy Governance sued the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and Hoima Sugar Limited over plans to clear part of Bugoma forest.

They argued that on August 14, 2020, NEMA granted Hoima Sugar Ltd a certificate of approval of Environment and Social Impact Assessment okaying the use of 21.54 square miles for sugarcane growing and associated developments. The environmentalists argued that Hoima Sugar made inadequate assessment. For instance, they accuse the farm of not advertising through media for people to respond to their plans as part of the Social Impact Assessment. They further argued that the giveaway of the forest for sugarcane growing presents adverse environmental and climate change threats.