Kampala, 7 March 2025 – Trade in illegal timber and other forest products poses a threat to Uganda's environment, economy, and national security. It is estimated that 80% of timber trade in Uganda is linked to illegal practices, costing the country about USD9.8 million annually, in loss of tax revenue. Addressing the issue has become a matter of urgent national importance.
It is against this background that more than sixty (60) stakeholders from the public and private sectors, civil society and development partners, convened in Kampala on 26 to 27 February 2025 for a workshop to raise awareness on combating trafficking in timber and other forest products in Uganda.
The workshop was organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and the Ministry of Water and Environment, with funding from the European Union under the EU-Uganda Forest Partnership and Programme. It highlighted the far-reaching consequences of illegal logging and timber trafficking, which extend beyond environmental damage to include economic instability, loss of biodiversity and links to organized crime.
Speaking at the opening session, Ms. Sharon Lesa Nyambe, Head of Office for UNODC Uganda, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “The illegal trade in wildlife and timber is not only depleting our natural resources and destroying ecosystems that are essential for combating climate change, but it is also fueling organized criminal networks, undermining the rule of law, and destabilizing communities.”
Environmental crime is the third largest form of transnational organized crime in the world. Illegal logging is the most profitable natural resource crime globally, estimated at USD 152 billion annually. In Uganda, illegal logging has negatively affected the country’s rich biodiversity with forest cover declining from 24% in 1990 to 12% in 2017. “As UNODC, we are working to strengthen legislation and the criminal justice system to prevent and combat wildlife and forest crimes and associated offences effectively,” Ms. Nyambe said.
Ms. Sanne Willems, Team Leader for Green Transition and Private Sector at the European Union Delegation in Uganda, emphasized the global nature of the problem: “The subject of today is not just crucial for the EU and Uganda's cooperation, but it's a pressing global issue. It's much wider than Uganda, and we are here today to take action.” She highlighted the role of the private sector as well as civil society actors in addressing the problem. “The private sector is a critical, essential element of success. I hope we can all support responsible businesses and increase access to finance to support sustainable businesses,” Ms. Willems added.
Mr. Bob Kazungu, the Assistant Commissioner for Forest Assessment and Monitoring, Ministry of Water and Environment, who represented the Permanent Secretary, outlined some of the steps Uganda has taken to address illegal logging while promoting trade in legal and sustainable forest products. “We have an ambition to restore our forestry estate to 1990 levels of 24%. The government has also put in place mechanisms to enhance transparency in facilitating trade, including the Uganda Electronic Single Window system and the e-CITES Permitting system,” he said.
Mr. Leonidas Hitimana, Team Leader Forestry of FAO Uganda, highlighted FAO's commitment to supporting Uganda in combating illegal logging and promoting sustainable forestry practices. “FAO is working closely with the Ugandan government and other partners to strengthen forest governance, improve law enforcement, and promote legal and sustainable timber value chains,” he added.
The EU pledged continued support to address environmental challenges and forest protection in Uganda. “Over the next six years, we will dedicate 35% of our external action budget to climate action, which includes to a very large extent the forestry sector,” Ms. Willems said.
The workshop included discussions on the way forward, highlighting the need for enhancing engagement and coordination among stakeholders, particularly law enforcement agencies, and developing mechanisms for improved information sharing to detect and monitor the illegal timber trade. Participants stressed the need for increased transparency and anti-corruption measures, calling for continuous capacity building of partners and the adoption of digitalized platforms to enhance accountability. Participants also highlighted the importance of supporting forest communities and sustainable wood-based value chains, suggesting incentive mechanisms for sustainable forestry practices and the promotion of certification as a tool for responsible forest management.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment from both public and private sector stakeholders to work collaboratively towards combating timber trafficking, protecting Uganda's vital forest resources, and promoting sustainable forestry practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. “It was an impactful workshop,” said Mr. Ruddolph Hoffman, CEO of Hoffman Forestry Company. “We wish that the illegal trade of timber can be mitigated so that our sustainably grown trees and timber can enter the market. This will create bigger impact to the environment, employment and economic growth.”
