Kampala, Uganda — April 23, 2026Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has directed that Bugoma Central Forest Reserve be placed under the control of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, in a renewed government effort to stop encroachment and restore the integrity of the embattled forest.
The directive follows growing concern over the rate of degradation in Bugoma, where illegal logging, land grabbing, and human settlement have continued to threaten one of Uganda’s most important ecosystems.
At present, the forest is managed by the National Forestry Authority, but critics have long questioned whether the agency has the capacity to effectively safeguard the reserve against persistent encroachment pressures.
Government officials say the proposed transfer is intended to strengthen conservation by aligning the forest’s management with tourism and wildlife protection priorities.
This could see greater involvement from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, known for overseeing national parks and protected areas across the country.
Bugoma Forest is home to rich biodiversity, including endangered chimpanzees, and plays a critical role in climate regulation and water systems in western Uganda.
Conservationists warn that continued destruction could lead to irreversible environmental damage and loss of livelihoods for surrounding communities.
While the Prime Minister’s order signals urgency at the highest level, the process of transferring the forest is expected to take time, involving legal, institutional, and policy adjustments before full implementation.
The move highlights increasing government attention toward environmental protection, as Uganda grapples with balancing development demands and the preservation of its природal heritage.
