(MAGWI COUNTY) – The Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Trade and Industry, Ruth Marious Vuga, has issued a strong warning to local communities against participating in illegal logging.
Speaking during an event to welcome the new Magwi County caretaker commissioner on Wednesday, the Minister stated that timber harvesting must not be conducted for unauthorised commercial gain. She clarified that the felling of trees is only permitted when the wood is used for local development projects that serve the public interest.
The Minister explained that using timber for community infrastructure is a constructive use of natural resources. This includes building schools, health centres, and other essential public facilities. She noted that such initiatives are supported because they provide a direct benefit to the residents of the area. However, she maintained that these activities must be done responsibly to protect the environment for both the current population and future generations.
Minister Vuga cautioned the incoming commissioner against being influenced by those seeking to exploit natural wealth for private profit. She remarked that community resources are not intended to make single individuals wealthy. Instead, she pointed out that these assets belong to the public and should be managed to improve the lives of everyone in the county rather than for personal enrichment.
The trade official also called for unity among the people of Magwi to prevent the exploitation of shared resources by selfish interests. She stated that every citizen has a right to be heard and that all community members should be treated with dignity. In protecting their forests from illegal trade, the Minister believes the county can better secure its economic future and ensure that its natural wealth supports broad local growth.
The value of timber in the local market remains high, and protecting these assets is a priority for the state. The Minister concluded by urging the local government to follow the law strictly when managing these valuable natural assets.
