President Museveni Cancels All Land Titles in Kitubulu Forest Reserve, Halts Development
ENTEBBE, UGANDA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a directive cancelling all land titles within the Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve and ordered an immediate stop to all tree-cutting activities, citing the vital ecological role of the forest.
The directive, contained in a letter dated December 23, 2025, to the Minister of Water and Environment, Sam Cheptoris, underscores the President’s order to protect the reserve “at all costs.” He described Kitubulu as a crucial remnant of lowland forests that filter pollutants and silt, playing an essential role in safeguarding the Lake Victoria basin, biodiversity, and the wider ecosystem.
In a significant admission, President Museveni stated that his earlier approval for the development of a shopping mall, hotel, and mini-city within the reserve was based on incorrect information. “I have been informed that I approved the development… This was based on wrong information,” the letter reads.
The President has now instructed the Ministry of Water and Environment to collaborate with the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Lands, the Uganda Investment Authority, and the Uganda Land Commission to identify alternative land outside protected areas for the affected investors.
Linking the issue to broader environmental degradation, President Museveni blamed corruption for the loss of 1.1 million hectares of natural forest cover between 2004 and 2025. He pointed to collusion within the National Forestry Authority, citing the case of former executive director Damian Akankwasa, who allegedly conspired with traders to illegally harvest high-value timber.
The letter also commends Entebbe Mayor Fabrice Rulinda for his stance against the development projects. “I salute the Entebbe Mayor… for standing against those selfish and senseless anti-environmental groups,” President Museveni wrote.
Copies of the directive have been sent to the Vice President, Prime Minister, Attorney General, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the Entebbe Mayor, signalling a coordinated government effort to enforce the order.
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