Uganda joined the rest of the world in celebrating the extraordinary legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall, the iconic conservationist whose life’s work transformed global understanding of wildlife, forests, and the delicate balance between people and nature.
The commemorative event, held at Sheraton Kampala, brought together conservation leaders, government officials, international partners, and individuals whose lives have been touched by her mission.
Speaking at the gathering, James Byamukama, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda, described the day as a moment to reflect on the vision that has guided Dr. Goodall's work for decades.
He emphasised that this year’s theme, “Green Hope Legacy,” draws from her belief that planting even a single seed can generate the life and energy upon which entire ecosystems depend.
A panel of speakers who had interacted with Dr. Goodall on a personal level shared moving reflections on how her compassion, humility, and deep connection to nature shaped their paths and inspired their work.
The shared message was clear: her legacy is not only about protecting chimpanzees and forests but also about uplifting the people who depend on them.
Since its establishment in 1991, JGI Uganda has made remarkable strides in advancing that mission. The Institute has restored more than 56 square kilometers of forest connectivity between Budongo and Bugoma—corridors that had long disappeared.
Communities have benefited too, earning over USD 30,000 from conservation-friendly enterprises in the last five years. The organisation continues to prioritise livelihoods, with plans to install over 30 boreholes in Kikuube and Kagadi, and to plant more than one million coffee and cocoa trees—a powerful model of conservation through community empowerment.
“People are at the center of the Goodall Institute,” Byamukama reaffirmed.
Representing the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Leon Chandia, Acting Commissioner for Wildlife Conservation, praised the Institute for its dedication.
He noted that while caring for rescued chimpanzees is important, the greater challenge lies in addressing the root causes of why these animals end up in captivity.
Protecting habitats whether on public or private land and ensuring communities are active participants in conservation are essential steps, he said.
A heartfelt message was also delivered on behalf of Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, by Diana Leizinger, Co-Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Austria. She reflected on the global impact of Goodall’s life and work.
“We gather not only in sorrow but in profound gratitude,” she said. “Jane Goodall touched so many lives and changed the way we look at nature. Her quiet courage, unwavering hope, and deep compassion continue to guide us. Her legacy is carried by rangers, teachers, students people across the world committed to transforming our relationship with the planet.”
As tributes continue worldwide, today’s event in Kampala stood as a powerful reminder that Dr. Jane Goodall’s mission lives on—in the forests restored, the communities supported, and the countless individuals inspired to carry her torch.
