Agago District has recorded the destruction of more than 10,000 shea trees within a span of three months during the 2026 general election campaigns, according to district officials and cultural leaders.
Rwot Kasimiro Ongom, a cultural leader spearheading environmental conservation efforts in the district, says the tree loss occurred between December last year and February this year.
He attributes the destruction largely to increased charcoal production and the establishment of illegal woodlots, noting that the environment suffered while political actors focused on campaigns.
Ongom explains that some individuals took advantage of the political season, when attention was diverted to elections, to cut down shea trees unchecked.
A survey conducted by cultural leaders identified the worst-affected areas as Arum, Omot, Adilang, Agengo, Kuywee, Agago Town Council, and Lokole.
He cautions that poverty should not be used to justify environmental degradation, warning that such actions will ultimately worsen livelihoods and leave future generations to bear the consequences.
John Okidi, the Agago District Forest Officer says the district has been promoting tree planting through a Nursery Tree Hub that provides free seedlings to farmers.
He adds that the district is working with implementing partners to enact environmental bylaws in sub-counties such as Parabongo, Wol, and Arum.
By URN
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