This study looks at legal and institutional frameworks in curbing the problem of encroachment on Forest reserves in Uganda and illuminates on the centrality of the law in the protection of forest reserves. It emphasizes and upholds the public trust doctrine which seeks to preserve and protect natural resources; government holds forests and other resources in trust for the people and therefore shall protect all natural lakes, rivers, wetlands, forest reserves, game reserves, national parks and any land to be reserved for ecological and tourist purposes for the common good of all citizens. The study established that despite the crucial role of the National Forest Authority- a national body charged with management of forests in Uganda, very little attention is paid to consciously planned structures to facilitate collaboration and collective effort in the protection of forests; the law is ignored and communication between NFA teams and the communities is predominantly non existent. As such, communities continue to illegally encroach upon forest reserves due to lack of sensitization.

Kanoel Rosemary Ruhakana holds a Master of Laws (LLM) from Uganda Pentecostal University. She is a Lecturer at Uganda Pentecostal University and also a Legal Assistant with Kateeba, Rukanyangira & Kajara Advocates.