Uganda Wildlife Authority has registered significant progress in restoring order and disrupting organised environmental crime in Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, barely three months after assuming responsibility for its protection and management.

Between May and July 2026, UWA conducted 114 intelligence-led operations, arrested 336 suspects, recovered 3,721 bags of illegally produced charcoal and seized 697 pieces of illegally harvested timber. The operations also resulted in the impounding of 31 motor vehicles and 14 motorcycles used to transport charcoal, timber and other illegally obtained forest products from the reserve.

UWA formally took over the protection and management of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve on May 9, 2026, following a directive by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The reserve was officially handed over to UWA by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, during a ceremony held at Kisindi in Kikuube District. The presidential directive followed reports of extensive destruction of Bugoma through illegal charcoal production, commercial timber harvesting, agricultural encroachment, sugarcane cultivation and other unlawful activities.

Immediately after the handover, UWA deployed a multidisciplinary team of personnel under Operation “Biito Wells” and established its operational headquarters at Kisindi. The team comprises law enforcement personnel, intelligence officers and field support staff.The Authority intensified operations progressively, conducting 20 targeted operations in May, 34 in June and 60 in July. The operations covered several hotspots, including Nsozi, Nyairongo, Nyakabale, Kaseeta, Ngogoli, Nyampindu, Wairagaza, Kisindi, Maratatu and Kabale.

The 336 suspects arrested during the period were linked to offences including charcoal production, illegal timber harvesting, cultivation within the reserve, transportation of illegal forest products, destruction of protected vegetation and unauthorised entry. Several of the suspects have been arraigned before court, and their cases are progressing through the criminal justice system.

Charcoal production had been identified as the leading driver of forest degradation in Bugoma before the takeover. UWA recovered 630 bags of charcoal in May, 1,462 in June and 1,629 in July, bringing the total to 3,721 bags.

The Authority also recovered 283 pieces of illegally harvested timber in May, 54 in June and 360 in July. The seizure of 697 pieces of timber helped interrupt the commercial exploitation of indigenous tree species and protect the remaining natural forest stands.

Tools and equipment used in the destruction of the forest were also confiscated. These included seven power saws, two hand saws, 11 axes, 97 pangas, 68 hoes, 67 spades and 15 forked hoes.

UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi said the achievements demonstrate the importance of sustained Government presence and intelligence-led enforcement in safeguarding Bugoma.

“The progress registered within this short period shows that Bugoma can be protected and restored. Our operations have disrupted illegal charcoal production, timber harvesting and the transport networks that supported these activities. We shall maintain our presence and continue working with other Government agencies and surrounding communities to secure this important forest,” Dr. Musinguzi said.

UWA also investigated 69 cases involving 336 suspects. Intelligence gathered during the period helped identify emerging hotspots, track organised networks and guide the deployment of personnel across the 41,144-hectare reserve.

Although illegal activities have not been completely eliminated, sustained enforcement has significantly reduced charcoal burning, timber harvesting and other destructive activities in several previously affected areas. Illegal production camps have been dismantled, equipment confiscated and Government presence restored in locations that had previously been difficult to access.

Beyond enforcement, UWA has established the basic administrative systems required for the long-term management of Bugoma. Kisindi operational headquarters has been connected to piped water and equipped with solar power. Staff have also received training in statement recording, investigations and exhibit handling.

Tourism has continued alongside the protection operations. Bugoma recorded 87 visitors during June and July 2026, including 31 visitors in June and 56 in July. Activities offered in the forest include chimpanzee tracking, chimpanzee habituation experiences, mangabey tracking and guided nature walks.

The continued tourism activity demonstrates Bugoma’s potential to become an important ecotourism destination while generating benefits that support conservation and neighbouring communities.

On July 31, 2026, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities issued temporary management measures for Bugoma Central Forest Reserve under General Notice No. 1430 of 2026. The measures provide an interim framework for UWA and other stakeholders to manage and protect the forest pending its declaration as a Wildlife Conservation Area.

Bugoma is one of Uganda’s most ecologically important tropical forests. It provides habitat for chimpanzees, elephants, mangabeys and numerous species of birds, butterflies and indigenous trees. The forest also supports watershed protection, climate regulation, carbon sequestration and ecological connectivity within the Albertine Rift landscape.

UWA says the next phase will focus on consolidating enforcement gains, verifying and demarcating the forest boundary, restoring degraded areas, strengthening cooperation with neighbouring communities and supporting the Government process to provide Bugoma with stronger and permanent legal protection.