Decentralization of Forestry Resources in Uganda: Realities or Rhetoric?

Abstract

"This paper explores the extent to which decentralization following the enactment of the Decentralization Statute of 1987 has transferred control over forestry resources to local institutions in Uganda. A survey carried out in 43 forests located in eastern, central and western Uganda show unregulated harvesting pattern and use of forest products. Using Mpigi district as a case study, the effectiveness of local institutions in the governance of forests was examined. Forests located in remote villages of Mpigi district were found to be more degraded than those close to the local administrative centers possibly due to weak monitoring and sanctioning of forest rules by the elected local councils. The study showed that the central government still controls the management of forest resources in the districts and that there is at present no genuine shift in authority over forest resources to local people."