In a recent development, Uganda's Northern Region recorded a single fire incident on December 3, 2024. This event adds to the environmental challenges faced by the country, which has seen significant deforestation over the years. According to data, Uganda has a total area of approximately 24.14 million hectares, with a tree cover extent of around 7.76 million hectares.
Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a net loss in tree cover of over 1.05 million hectares, which is a 23.40% decrease from the stable tree cover. The primary driver of this loss has been shifting agriculture, responsible for the vast majority of the tree cover loss. Other contributing factors include urbanization, forestry practices, and wildfires.
Explore country profileThe data reveals a worrying trend, with the highest recorded tree cover loss in 2017 at over 116,000 hectares. While the latest fire incident may seem minor in comparison to the broader deforestation issue, it underscores the ongoing vulnerability of Uganda's forests to various threats. The country's rich biodiversity and the well-being of its ecosystems continue to be at risk, highlighting the need for sustainable management and conservation efforts.
