Kabale University has partnered with the National Forestry Authority (NFA) to establish a field research station in Echuya Forest Reserve aimed at strengthening forestry research and providing practical training opportunities for students.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Rwaburindi Village, Ikamiro Parish in Muko Sub-county, Rubanda District, within the forest reserve.
The ceremony was attended by a Kabale University delegation led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Joy Kwesiga, NFA Executive Director Stuart Maniraguha, Rubanda District leaders led by Vice Chairperson Prossy Akampurira Kesafari, and members of the local community.
Under the agreement, NFA will allocate 2.1 hectares of land within Echuya Forest Reserve to Kabale University to facilitate the establishment of the research station.
Prof. Kwesiga said the facility will enable staff and students to conduct research in forest ecology, biodiversity conservation, tourism planning and management, and the socio-economic impacts of protected areas.
“The station will provide hands-on training for students while supporting efforts to identify, protect, and conserve rare, threatened, and endangered plant and animal species.
The facility will also contribute to long-term ecological monitoring, conservation education, and the assessment of tourism impacts within the forest ecosystem,” she said.
She added that the centre will allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life field settings and benefit learners from disciplines such as environmental studies, forestry, and tourism.
Representing the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at Kabale University, Associate Dean Dr Rodgers Akatwijuka said the research station will focus on areas including forest ecology, watershed management, tourism planning, ecosystem changes, conservation of endangered species, and research on medicinal plants with scientific and economic value.
Maniraguha said the collaboration began in 2024 when Kabale University approached NFA seeking a formal partnership and land to establish a research station and botanical garden. A joint technical team later conducted a field assessment which confirmed the availability of suitable land for the project.
“The NFA is working together with the Ministry of Water and Environment and will continue to guide Kabale University throughout the implementation of the project,” Maniraguha said.
Following the signing of the MoU, the two institutions plan to develop a site layout plan, obtain approval for architectural designs, conduct an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, and begin construction of the research station.
The facility will also host research and training programmes and facilitate the sharing of research findings.
Officials and local residents welcomed the partnership, saying the research station will strengthen scientific research, promote environmental conservation, and enhance education in the Kigezi sub-region and across Uganda.