UWA Tasked with Restoring Degraded Bugoma Forest Reserve

Bugoma Forest Reserve, a significant biodiversity area in Uganda, has faced severe degradation over the years. Activities like illegal logging, charcoal burning, and encroachment for maize and sugarcane cultivation have led to a substantial reduction in its original size of 41,144 hectares established in 1932.

This destruction has impacted the forest’s unique flora and fauna, including the valuable mahogany trees and the habitat for chimpanzees in the Albertine Rift region. In a recent development, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja oversaw the transfer of the forest’s management from the Ministry of Water and Environment to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on May 9, 2026. The Prime Minister issued a stern warning against all encroachers, promising eviction without compensation and the cancellation of any fraudulent land titles.

During a visit to the affected areas, Nabbanja expressed strong dissatisfaction with the ongoing illegal activities and announced a crackdown. Bugoma Forest, which has also been upgraded to a National Park, was previously managed by the National Forest Authority (NFA). However, critics point to weak enforcement and alleged corruption during the NFA’s tenure for the forest’s decline, with visible destruction escalating since 2018.

President Yoweri Museveni had previously directed the Prime Minister to halt the destruction and mandated UWA’s involvement. Reports of UPDF army officers participating in illegal charcoal burning prompted an investigation request by Nabbanja to the Commander of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Tom Butime, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, has voiced confidence in UWA’s ability to manage the restoration. Dr. James Musinguzi, UWA’s executive director, outlined immediate plans including the deployment of drones, vehicles, and foot patrols, alongside community engagement and media campaigns to raise awareness. UWA is also considering electric fencing in certain areas to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/can-uwa-save-and-restore-bugoma-forest