Ugandan security forces detained over 60 individuals attempting to occupy protected territory within Zoka Government Forest Reserve after receiving intelligence about coordinated movement toward Acholi Bay in Adjumani District. The joint operation by military and police units intercepted approximately 200 people carrying agricultural implements, with authorities confiscating dozens of mobile phones suspected of facilitating the organized intrusion.
Ten suspects were transferred to Adjumani Central Police Station, while additional detainees remain at Maji 2 station pending environmental assessments and profiling. Several participants escaped during the intervention and face ongoing pursuit by law enforcement.
The protected reserve has experienced sustained pressure from illegal logging operations, charcoal production, and settlement attempts as Uganda loses nearly 90,000 hectares of forest cover annually. National legislation imposes penalties reaching four million shillings or two years imprisonment for unauthorized forest entry, with recent audits revealing cancellation of more than 450 fraudulent land titles within conservation zones.
Ten suspects were transferred to Adjumani Central Police Station, while additional detainees remain at Maji 2 station pending environmental assessments and profiling. Several participants escaped during the intervention and face ongoing pursuit by law enforcement.
The protected reserve has experienced sustained pressure from illegal logging operations, charcoal production, and settlement attempts as Uganda loses nearly 90,000 hectares of forest cover annually. National legislation imposes penalties reaching four million shillings or two years imprisonment for unauthorized forest entry, with recent audits revealing cancellation of more than 450 fraudulent land titles within conservation zones.
