NELSON K
Rubanda residents express mixed reactions, highlighting both advantages and disadvantages (impacts) following the upgrade of Echuya Forest into a National Game Reserve.
Residents of Rubanda District, particularly those living in parts of Rubanda West County such as Kashasha Town Council, Muko Sub-county, Kacereere Town Council, and others, have today expressed their opinions about the impact of upgrading the neighbouring Echuya Forest into a National Game Reserve.
Some have expressed concern over the loss of development benefits they have been gaining from the forest, whereas others have expressed excitement and joy, saying that the upgrade is going to improve tourism, hence supporting trade and economic transformation.
Speaking with Boona Radio, the Nyamatembe Cell LC1 Chairperson, Mbabazi Jeffrey, together with the Kacereere Town Council Mayor, Eliab Mugambagye, expressed the disadvantages, saying that despite using the resource illegally, a large number of residents have been benefiting from the forest through extracting feed for their herbivore animals, which they later use to produce manure; extracting building materials for temporary houses and animal shelters; fetching water to irrigate their crops and cattle; as well as other essential resources useful to their lives.
They said that with the forest now upgraded, they no longer have a chance to access these resources. However, Mbabazi Jeffrey added that people from Rutegyengyere Cell and the Pygmies (Batwa) have been entirely depending on the forest, and he expressed high chances of them struggling with hunger and severe poverty.
However, these local leaders also pointed out expected advantages such as gaining support in trade and economic transformation, and promoting their culture and area to the outside world through tourism, which they hope will improve development in the area.
Meanwhile, the sitting Muko Sub-county LC3 Chairperson, Mr. Abeneimwe Patrick, well known as Mukwate, expressed concern over a possible decline in agricultural production, confirming that about 40% of agriculture in some areas such as Karengyere, Butare B, and others has been supported by resources extracted from the forest for animal husbandry, potato, and bean farming. However, he also supported the decision to upgrade the forest, saying that restricting residents’ access will help conserve nature and boost tourism, which he hopes will also bring economic development, trade, and improved infrastructure.
However, one of the beneficiaries representing the Pygmies (Batwa), Mr. Tamsore Paphra, expressed frustration and deep trauma, saying that the upgrade of the forest into a National Game Reserve is going to completely prevent them from accessing services that have supported their way of life for years. Regarding the expected advantages such as tourism and infrastructure development, he said that as low-income people who feel unable to prosper, they will gain nothing.
