This note summarises information received via the Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP).

In Uganda, permits were granted in 2006 for oil palm and sugar cane plantations within natural forest. There are claims that this process is illegal, and concerns that this practice could extend to Central Forest Reserves hosting chimpanzees and other threatened species.   The country's environment minister has stated that clearance of forest to plant oil palms does not constitute a change in land use change because the oil palm plantations will eventually constitute a forest.

The government had also proposed to de-gazette part of the Pian Upe Game reserve in Karamoja and Nakapiripirit districts in favour of M/S Africa Integrated Company but due to protests, the process was halted.

For a December 2006 bulletin on the topic from International Institute for Environment and Development, see http://www.iied.org/mediaroom/releases/061214Ugandaforests.html