The impact of these activities is not only ecological but also climatic, as forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The loss of tree cover has led to millions of metric tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, exacerbating the global climate crisis.
In the Northern Region of Uganda, the latest fire incident on December 28, 2024, underscores the ongoing risks to forests from various disturbances, including wildfires. Although the number of fire incidents is relatively low, the cumulative effect of these and other drivers of tree cover loss is a cause for concern.
The data paints a clear picture: urgent action is needed to curb deforestation and protect Uganda's forests. This will require concerted efforts from all stakeholders, including government, local communities, and international partners, to promote sustainable land use practices and invest in forest conservation and restoration initiatives.
