NatureUganda hosts nature walk to promote conservation and tourism in Bugoma CFR

In partnership with the National Forestry Authority (NFA), NatureUganda conducted a successful nature walk in Bugoma Central Forest Reserve (CFR), bringing together NatureUganda members, NFA Bugoma sector staff, the Jane Goodall Institute, local community members, and representatives from the media. The walk offered participants an opportunity to explore Bugoma CFR, one of Uganda’s most biodiversity-rich forests, recognized as both a Key Biodiversity Area and an Important Bird Area.

Beyond wildlife observation, the nature walk aimed to promote Bugoma CFR as a potential nature-based tourism destination, offering opportunities for birdwatching, primate viewing, guided forest walks, and environmental education. Participants engaged in discussions on how civil society organizations can support NFA in conserving the forest and addressed the key challenges threatening its long-term conseravtion.

During the discussions, several measures were proposed to strengthen conservation efforts in Bugoma CFR. These included engaging community-based conservation personnel through monthly facilitation and accountability mechanisms, motivating local communities through hands-on conservation initiatives, supporting tree planting and restoration programs in degraded areas, strengthening patrol efforts to prevent encroachment, and enhancing environmental education to reduce reliance on unsustainable activities like charcoal burning. Participants also emphasized addressing inconsistencies in law enforcement, such as areas allocated to commercial sugarcane growing while denying local communities access, and promoting alternative, sustainable livelihoods to reduce pressure on forest resources.

Mr. Kamuregeya Christopher, NFA Sector Manager, thanked NatureUganda for organising this event and noted that it would increase visibility for Bugoma CFR. He acknowledged the threats posed by sugar-growing companies but highlighted that tourism has increased in Bugoma CFR, leading to greater income from tourism. Mr. Amson, the forest tourism officer, added that Bugoma CFR hosts several conservation and tourism activities, including research, chimpanzee trekking, nature walks, and primate habituation programs.

Mr. Michael Jurua from the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) shared insights on the conservation work of JGI in Bugoma CFR, which focuses on protecting chimpanzee habitats and improving ecosystem services for both nature and the local community. He highlighted that the institute has restored 5,000 hectares of the degraded area of the forest, supported 15,000 households with improved agronomic practices such as honey processing, and trained NFA staff in geospatial technology for better forest management. He commended NatureUganda for taking an active interest in these ongoing conservation efforts.

During the walk, participants were guided along predetermined forest trails by the NFA tourism officer, observing and identifying various species of birds, mammals, plants, and butterflies. Among the 27 bird species recorded were the Forest Robin, Fire-crested Alethe, Green Hylia, Purple-headed Starling, and Speckled Tinkerbird. Several tree species used by chimpanzees for food, medicine, and bedding were also identified. Mammal sightings included Black-and-white Colobus monkeys and baboons, further highlighting the ecological richness of the forest.

The post-walk discussions reinforced the threats facing Bugoma CFR, including agricultural expansion—particularly from sugarcane companies, illegal logging, charcoal burning, illegal hunting, bush fires, cattle grazing, and infrastructure development. Civil society organizations were encouraged to support conservation by recruiting and facilitating joint forest patrols, assisting communities to plant fast-growing tree species as alternative fuel sources, engaging in civic education about the importance of conservation, and supporting local communities with sustainable livelihood options.

Through this activity, NatureUganda successfully combined hands-on nature exploration with critical conservation advocacy, highlighting the ecological and tourism value of Bugoma CFR while fostering collaborative strategies to address ongoing threats.