The National Forestry Authority (NFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Space for Giants to train, educate and exchange knowledge on protection and conservation of wildlife landscapes, investigation and prosecution of forest crimes.
While at the function at the NFA head offices on Wednesday, the Authority’s Executive Director Mr Tom Okello said this partnership is meant to bridge and seal the gap between them and Space for Giants – an organisation aimed at protecting wildlife, fighting forest crimes, carrying out investigations, prosecution and also go as far as making arrests.
He informed that Space for Giants it is an international organisation that has patterned with various organisations such as Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for the last five years and the achievements are tremendous.
The partnership will not only enforce but also process prosecution.
Mr Okello added that without good prosecution, wildlife and their habitat cannot secure emphasising that the implementation of this MOU should be incorporated in the quarterly reports.
Mr Justus Karuhanga, the Space Giants Country representative updated that they have so far signed an MOU with the judiciary, trained investigators, procured scene of crime equipment and supported with the establishment of the court to deal with utilities, wildlife and standards.
There are plans to train magistrates and set up sentencing guidelines, he added.
The MOU signing was witnessed by the Director Plantations Development Mr Stuart Maniraguha, legal officers Joseph Kwesiga and Judith Ndajije.
The parties committed to fulfill their obligations clearly spelt out in the MOU that will last for a six years.
