The Uganda Wildlife Authority has officially taken over the protection and management of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve following a handover presided over by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on Friday, May 9, 2026.
The handover ceremony held at Kikuube District Headquarters implements a directive issued by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni aimed at halting continued degradation and encroachment within the forest reserve while strengthening long-term conservation efforts.
Speaking during the ceremony, Nabbanja said government could no longer continue watching the destruction of one of Uganda’s most important natural ecosystems.
“Government could not continue to watch the endless degradation of Bugoma Forest. This handover demonstrates our commitment to protecting Uganda’s natural heritage and ensuring that this important ecosystem is safeguarded for present and future generations,” she said.
The Prime Minister said government has full confidence in UWA’s institutional capacity to effectively protect and sustainably manage the forest.
She directed the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to expedite the process of upgrading Bugoma Forest into a national park.
Nabbanja also called for the immediate eviction of all encroachers from the forest without compensation, in line with the presidential directive aimed at restoring and protecting the integrity of the reserve.
Tourism Minister Tom Butime described the handover as a major milestone in strengthening conservation and environmental protection efforts in Uganda.
“Today’s event is a major step in strengthening the protection of Bugoma Forest following the directives issued by His Excellency the President to safeguard this important ecosystem and halt continued degradation and encroachment,” Butime said.
He assured government and the public that UWA possesses the institutional experience and technical capacity required to effectively protect and manage the forest.
“Uganda Wildlife Authority has over the years demonstrated strong capacity and professionalism in protected area management, law enforcement, ecological restoration, wildlife protection, and community conservation,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, represented by Commissioner for Wildlife Conservation George Owoyesigire, said the handover followed extensive consultations with relevant government institutions and stakeholders.
Owoyesigire noted that the forest will be managed under a General Management Plan to be developed in consultation with stakeholders to ensure sustainable utilization of forest resources by neighbouring communities.
The ceremony was attended by several leaders and officials including Opio Vincent Alpha, Florence Natumanya, Francis Kazini Twinomujuni, James Kalema, and James Musinguzi.
Representatives from the Ministry of Water and Environment, local leaders, and UWA staff also attended the event.
Following the handover, UWA has already deployed personnel within Bugoma Forest to strengthen surveillance, law enforcement, and protection against illegal activities.
The authority will also conduct an assessment to establish the level of degradation within the forest and develop an appropriate restoration and management plan to guide long-term conservation interventions.
