The Minister of State for Water and Environment, Hon. Beatrice Anywar, assured Parliament on Thursday, April 17, 2025, that the government will adhere strictly to the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003, as it moves forward with the process of degazetting land from Gulu Central Forest Reserve for the expansion of Gulu University.
Minister Anywar emphasized that the degazettement will be carried out legally and transparently, ensuring that no steps are taken outside of the law. “We are not frustrating Gulu University’s efforts. We are following the law,” she said.
The Minister provided an update on the degazettement process, stating that Gulu University, in collaboration with Gulu City Authority and Nwoya district local government, has secured alternative land in Nwoya, which has now been converted into freehold title in the university’s name. The land has been surveyed and is currently undergoing valuation in compliance with the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act.
What remains is the completion of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for both the Gulu Central Forest Reserve and the alternative Nwoya land, after which the report will be submitted to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for approval, followed by submission to the Cabinet.
Members of Parliament, including Hon. Christine Kaaya (NUP) and Hon. Denis Oguzu Lee (FDC), commended the Ministry for adhering to proper procedures. Hon. Oguzu Lee also cautioned Cabinet to consider President Museveni’s 2030 deforestation target, stressing that moving forward without following legal procedures could harm the country’s global environmental standing.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa called for the process to be expedited, noting that the university had already started tree planting on the land. “We need the government to assess and ensure that the conditions are met,” he said.
In 2020, President Museveni directed the Prime Minister to initiate the degazettement of 70 acres of Gulu Central Forest Reserve for Gulu University’s expansion, a plan approved by Parliament in 2021. The new land will house the Faculties of Medicine, Agriculture, and Environment, along with research labs and student hostels.