Parliament Approves Bill to Integrate National Forestry Authority into Ministry of Water and Environment for Improved Efficiency and Cost Savings
Parliament has approved the National Forestry and Tree Planting (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to integrate the National Forestry Authority (NFA) into the Ministry of Water and Environment. This move, highlighted by Minister Hon. Beatrice Anywar, aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan III, focusing on efficiency and resource optimization.
The Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Geoffrey Feta, MP Feta Geoffrey said rationalizing the National Forestry Authority will save government Shs22 billion in Financial Year 2024/25, and that 80 per cent of staff will be absorbed in the Ministry of Water and Environment. reiterated the need to mainstream the NFA functions to mitigate financial drain on public resources.
The integration aims to enhance service delivery, eliminate duplicative roles, and improve financial accountability within government agencies. Expected benefits include savings of approximately Shs3 billion, better management of forest reserves, and streamlined procurement processes. The Ministry is prepared to absorb over 80% of NFA staff, with projections of net savings of Shs22.1 billion in 2024/2025 and Shs26.4 billion in 2025/2026.
Concerns were raised about illegal land parcels within forest reserves, with ongoing efforts to cancel titles. While some members criticized the NFA for environmental mismanagement, Hon. Christine Kaaya presented a minority report arguing against the rationalization, citing the NFA’s recent financial improvements and non-tax revenue growth.
The rationalization is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance governance and resource management, aiming for sustainable socio-economic transformation.
