Illegal Logging Blamed for Drought and Crop Failure in Kajo Keji County

(Kajo Keji) – Residents of Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria State are calling on national and state authorities to take immediate action against illegal logging, which they say has severely harmed their environment and disrupted traditional farming patterns.

Several community members report that despite repeated government directives banning deforestation, large scale illegal forest logging has continued across various Bomas and Payams in the county.

Locals are linking the destruction of trees to a noticeable decline in rainfall and prolonged dry spells, which they say are negatively affecting agriculture and the overall ecosystem.

Amulo Justine, a resident of Wudu town, expressed frustration that enforcement has been lacking despite multiple orders from past and present governors, county commissioners and the Ministries of Environment and Forestry.

“All those orders went to deaf ears and were never implemented,” Amulo said.

He urged the new governor of Central Equatoria State and the current county commissioner to prioritise environmental protection, warning that the area could become uninhabitable for both humans and animals if logging continues unchecked.

Amulo also pointed to weak law enforcement and leniency toward policy violators as a major factor driving the problem. He claimed that illegally harvested timber from Kajo-Keji is being transported into Uganda through unofficial border points such as Bambure, Busia and Jale. He proposed stronger regulation at these borders, including heavy taxation and improved monitoring systems, to deter illegal business operations.

Buga Moses, a resident of Liwolo Payam, voiced similar concerns, stating that deforestation has altered the weather patterns in his village.

“There is not much rain like we used to have. The area is dry, and farmers are suffering due to the continuous cutting of trees in Liwolo and Ajio villages,” he said.

Another resident, Edina Jackine from Mere, criticised the lack of community benefits from the ongoing timber trade. She said that despite large amounts of wood being taken from villages such as Kangagpo, Jalimo, Mangalatore, Bambure and Ajio, there are no visible improvements in public services like boreholes, schools or health centres.

“I am sorry because there are not tough enough measures to stop this forest business in Kajo-Keji County,” she lamented.

Environmental activist Batali Victor Silas, in a statement sent to Access Radio, warned of an impending environmental disaster if deforestation continues.

He called for a change in mindset towards nature, stressing the interconnectedness of human well being and environmental health.

“When we harm the Earth, we ultimately harm ourselves,” Batali stated.

He urged residents to take part in reforestation efforts and to stop unregulated logging, stressing the urgency of the situation.

“The Earth is crying out. Will we listen? The time for action is now,” he added.

In response, Kajo-Keji County Commissioner Wani Jackson confirmed that steps are being taken to combat the problem. He said the local government, in cooperation with security forces, has launched community outreach programmes to raise awareness and gather information on illegal logging.

Wani revealed that some illegal loggers were recently arrested in Kale and Keriwa and noted that deforestation in four Payams has been reduced by 80%.

“Soon we shall bring it to zero,” he said, adding that the county had identified weaknesses in enforcement and was working to address them.

No direct economic figures were given in the statements.