Uganda Wildlife Authority has officially assumed management of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve following a directive from President Museveni. The government says the move aims to stop forest degradation, strengthen conservation enforcement, and pave the way for the forest’s possible upgrade into a national park.
Kikuube, Uganda — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially taken over the protection and management of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve following a handover ceremony presided over by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, at the Kikuube District Headquarters.
The handover follows a directive issued by His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni aimed at strengthening the protection of Bugoma Forest, halting continued degradation and encroachment, and ensuring sustainable conservation of the ecosystem.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Prime Minister said the Government could no longer ignore the continued destruction of one of Uganda’s critical natural ecosystems. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s environmental heritage for present and future generations.
“Government could not continue to watch the endless degradation of Bugoma Forest. This handover demonstrates our commitment to protecting Uganda’s natural heritage and ensuring that this important ecosystem is safeguarded for present and future generations,” she said.
Rt. Hon. Nabbanja expressed confidence in UWA’s institutional capacity to sustainably manage and protect the forest. She also directed the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to expedite the process of upgrading Bugoma Forest into a National Park.
Additionally, the Prime Minister called for the eviction of all encroachers from the forest without compensation, in line with the Presidential directive aimed at restoring and protecting the integrity of the reserve.
The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom Butime, described the handover as a significant milestone in strengthening conservation and environmental protection efforts in Uganda.
Home
Conserving & Sustaining Uganda’s wildlife Since 1996Explore More Our MandateUganda Wildlife Authority, (UWA) is Uganda’s Government agency responsible for the management and protection of Wildlife in and outside protected areas. The agency is supervised by
“Today’s event is a major step in strengthening the protection of Bugoma Forest following the directives issued by His Excellency the President to safeguard this important ecosystem and halt continued degradation and encroachment,” he said.
The Minister further assured the Government and the public that UWA possesses the institutional capacity and experience required to effectively protect and manage Bugoma Forest.
“Uganda Wildlife Authority has over the years demonstrated strong capacity and professionalism in protected area management, law enforcement, ecological restoration, wildlife protection, and community conservation,” he noted.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, represented by the Commissioner for Wildlife Conservation, Mr. George Owoyesigire, said the handover followed extensive consultations and coordination meetings involving relevant Government institutions and stakeholders.
He noted that the forest will be managed under a General Management Plan to be developed in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable utilization of forest resources by neighboring communities.
Among those who attended the event were the Kikuube District Chairperson, Mr. Opio Vincent; Kikuube District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Florence Natumanya; Buhaguzi County Member of Parliament, Hon. Francis Kazini Twinomujuni; Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, Prof James Kalema; UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi; representatives from the Ministry of Water and Environment; local leaders; UWA staff; and other stakeholders.
Following the handover, UWA has deployed personnel within Bugoma Forest to strengthen protection, surveillance, and enforcement against illegal activities. The Authority will also conduct an assessment to determine the extent of degradation within the forest before developing an appropriate restoration and management plan to guide long-term conservation interventions