By Mike Rwothomio
Adjumani, Uganda: Security forces in Adjumani District have arrested more than 60 people who attempted to forcibly enter and occupy sections of the protected Zoka Forest Reserve, sparking one of West Nile’s largest anti-encroachment operations this year.
A joint force of the UPDF, Field Force Police (FFP), and officers from both the Zoka and Adjumani police detachments moved in swiftly on Thursday after intelligence indicated that a group of over 200 people had mobilized to occupy land inside Acholi Bay, a gazetted part of the reserve.
North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea confirmed the operation, saying the suspects were intercepted on November 20 at around 1:00 pm armed with pangas and hoes, tools authorities say are typically used for clearing vegetation and initiating illegal settlements.
“Over 200 individuals were observed moving in coordinated groups with the intention of occupying a protected area within the Zoka Forest Reserve,” SP Asea said. “More than 60 have been detained and are assisting with investigations.”
Police said the suspects claimed they were “reclaiming ancestral land,” an explanation authorities are scrutinizing against Uganda’s conservation laws.
Ten suspects identified as ring leaders were transferred to Adjumani Central Police Station for further interrogation, while more than 50 others remain detained at Maji 2 Police Station. A manhunt is ongoing for others who fled during the raid.
Recovered items include over 40 mobile phones, 50 pangas, and 10 hoes, believed to have been used to coordinate and initiate the attempted encroachment.
Authorities warn that illegal entry into a Central Forest Reserve is a criminal offense under Sections 37 and 38 of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, which impose fines of up to UGX 4 million or imprisonment of up to two years.
Environmental agencies say the attempted invasion highlights increasing pressure on Uganda’s forest cover, with NEMA reporting that the country loses an estimated 90,000 hectares of forest annually.
The case has been registered at Adjumani CPS under reference SD 42/22/11/2025, while suspects remain in custody as police investigations continue.
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