Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially taken over the responsibility for the protection and management of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve. The handover ceremony, held at the Kikuube District Headquarters, was led by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja.

This handover follows a directive from His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni aimed at enhancing the protection of Bugoma Forest, stopping ongoing degradation and encroachment, and ensuring the sustainable conservation of its ecosystem. During the ceremony, the Prime Minister stated that the government could no longer tolerate the continued destruction of one of Uganda’s vital natural ecosystems.

She emphasized government’s commitment to preserving the country’s environmental heritage and protecting Bugoma Forest for both current and future generations.

“The government could not continue to watch the endless degradation of Bugoma Forest. This handover reflects our commitment to safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage and ensuring this crucial ecosystem is preserved for generations to come,” she said.

The Prime Minister expressed full confidence in the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s ability to protect and manage the forest sustainably and instructed the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to accelerate efforts to upgrade Bugoma Forest to National Park status.

She also called for the eviction of all encroachers from the forest without compensation, in line with the Presidential directive aimed at restoring and preserving the forest’s integrity.

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. Tom Butime, described the handover as a significant milestone in strengthening conservation and environmental protection in Uganda. “Today’s event marks a major step forward in protecting Bugoma Forest, following the President’s directives to safeguard this vital ecosystem and halt ongoing degradation and encroachment,” he said.

The Minister further assured the government and public that UWA possesses the institutional capacity and expertise necessary to effectively protect and manage Bugoma Forest.

“Over the years, Uganda Wildlife Authority has demonstrated strong capacity and professionalism in managing protected areas, enforcing laws, restoring ecosystems, protecting wildlife, and promoting community conservation,” he added.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, represented by the Commissioner for Wildlife Conservation, Mr. George Owoyesigire, noted that the handover followed extensive consultations and coordination meetings with relevant government bodies and stakeholders. He mentioned that the forest will be managed under a General Management Plan developed in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable use of forest resources by neighboring communities.

Other attendees included 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.

After the handover, UWA has assigned staff to Bugoma Forest to enhance protection, monitoring, and enforcement against illegal activities. The Authority will also conduct an evaluation to determine the extent of forest degradation and subsequently create a suitable restoration and management plan to support long-term conservation efforts.