In a concerning environmental development, Uganda's Northern Region recorded a fire incident on December 25, 2024. This incident adds to the country's history of tree cover challenges, with a significant net loss of 23.40% in tree cover over the years. The data reveals that shifting agriculture is the predominant driver of tree cover loss, accounting for the vast majority of the hectares lost, followed by urbanization, forestry, and wildfires.
The cumulative effect of these losses has been profound, with over 1.20 million hectares of tree cover lost, while only 185,026 hectares were gained, leading to a net loss of approximately 1.05 million hectares. This loss has not only affected the landscape but also contributed to substantial CO2 emissions, further exacerbating climate change concerns.
Explore country profileThe latest fire incident, although isolated, is a stark reminder of the ongoing environmental challenges facing Uganda. The country's rich biodiversity and natural resources are under threat, and the continued loss of tree cover could have far-reaching implications for its ecosystem and the well-being of its inhabitants.
