Bugoma Forest is now under UWA to strengthen its conservation and enhance its status as a biodiversity hotspot. It is a tropical forest of land surface area 411 square kilometers in Kikuube District, western Uganda. Bugoma is strategically situated on the escarpment of the Albertine Rift Valley. Gazettement of this forest as a reserve happened first in 1932. Since 2003, the National Forestry Authority has managed the forest. However, from May 9, 2026, Uganda Wildlife Authority is officially in charge of its management and protection.
Why Bugoma is now under under UWA?
The ceremony to hand over Bugoma Central Forest Reserve to UWA occurred in Kikuube district headquarters. Rt. Hon Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja presided over this after a directive issued by President Yoweri Museveni. This is aimed to strengthen the protection of Bugoma Forest. To achieve this, UWA has the mandate to help in the stoppage of its encroachment and degradation. Remember, the Uganda Government is committed to protect the environmental heritage in all regions of the country through authorities like UWA.
This comes as result of the continued destruction and encroachment inside Bugoma Forest by people. Bugoma Forest is now under UWA because they have institutional capacity to protect and manage the forest sustainably. Moreover, over the years they have demonstrated elite law enforcement, ecological restoration, wildlife conservation and community conservation capabilities among others. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities is tasked to speed up the process to elevate Bugoma into a national park.
Bugoma Forest is now under UWA and a general management plan is soon to be developed through extensive consultation with stakeholders. These include adjacent communities, the general public, government agencies, civil society and others. The plan includes the status quo (level of degradation), and strategies for its restoration. Eviction of encroachers might be considered. Currently, UWA has deployed its law enforcement staff into the forest to strengthen the level of surveillance and protection against illegal activities.
Attractions in Bugoma Forest Reserve?
Mammals
Visitors to Bugoma Central Forest Reserve have access to over 34 species of mammals. Among these animals, 4 are globally threatened while 9 are listed under the IUCN Red list. The population of chimpanzees inside the forest reach 600. Other primates that share the same ecosystem include vervet monkey, blue monkey, red-tailed monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, and black and white colobus monkey. A visitor inside the forest also encounters golden cat, bush elephant, forest buffalo, and side-striped jackal etc.
Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Insects
Its location in the Albertine Rift region implies that a lot of birds occupy its canopy, branches and floors. A remarkable 225 species exist in Bugoma, with highlights like Nahan’s francolin and eared ground thrush among them. In a birdwatching excursion, also spot the black and white casqued hornbill, little greenbul, black-billed turaco and speckled tinkerbird etc. Also, reptile species live in the forest and comprise 9 of them. Meanwhile, 20 species of amphibians live in various habitats. Butterflies and moths are represented by 292 and 118 species respectively.
Flora and other Natural Features
Flora in the forest comprises some 257 species of trees and shrubs. Now, among these, 7 species are Albertine endemic species. Also, 12 of the tree species are globally threatened while 14 are listed in the IUCN Red list. Iron wood is the most dominant tree species in the medium altitude semi-deciduous forest. Bugoma Central Forest Reserve has 4 rivers that drain it to feed Lake Albert in the west. These include Rivers Wake, Bubwa, Sonso, and Waisoke.
Activities in Bugoma Forest Reserve?
Since Bugoma Forest is now under UWA, a lot of activities can be done by visitors to have a time of their lives. The key ones include,
Chimpanzee trekking, for visitors to locate one of the 2 communities habituated for tourism. Meanwhile track this community which comprises 70 chimpanzees. Afterwards, watch the community for an hour, offered once you find them.
Nature walk, that offers a chance to explore the forest as you walk on designated forest trails. The latter are so many and lead to a lot of features that include rivers and streams. A lot of rarely seen butterflies can be seen. Birds and primates are available in the trees.
Birdwatching, which offers a chance to spot so many of the 225 bird species, which include many residents and migrators. Additional bird species to spot beside the aforementioned include the green hylia, yellow billed barbet and rufous flycatcher thrush etc.
How to reach there?
Access Bugoma Forest by road transport. Its distance from Kampala via Hoima road is 272 kilometers. Drive from Hoima city to the forest for 72.6 kilometers. A 4-wheel safari landcruiser is the best type of vehicle to take you there. We prefer this because of its capability to navigate across rugged terrain of the forest. SUVs, sedans, safari vans and others can also do this job effectively.
