Why Bugoma Central Forest Reserve should not be destroyed & Recommendations!

 

About Bugoma Central Forest Reserve

Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is one of the protected tropical forests in Uganda. Bugoma forest was gazetted as a protected forest in the 1930s. In 2002, it was put under the mandate of the National Forestry Authority (NFA). This tropical rain forest is situated in Hoima district just in the east of Lake Albert, southwest of Hoima and northeast of Kyenjojo towns. Bugoma forest covers a surface area of about 41,142 hectares (411.42 km2) and 65,000 hectares (650 km2). With this area, this forest is believed to be home to over 23 mammal species, 225 bird species, and 260 species of trees. The tropical forest is also home to about 500 chimpanzees (10% of the Ugandan chimp population), making the forest a chimpanzee sanctuary and they have been undergoing habituation since January 2016.

Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is the largest remaining block of natural tropical forest along the Albertine Rift Valley between Budongo and Semuliki National Park, therefore it plays an enormous role in preserving wildlife migratory corridors.

What will be affected if the forest reserve is destroyed?

The conservation of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is very paramount for the livelihood of the local farmers and communities. Destruction of this habitat and change in its use will affect climate, the water sources, and the whole economy of the area. It will cause conflicts between humans and wildlife, as well as impoverishing the soil and impoverishing the local communities.

Once the forest is destroyed, investments like eco-tourism activities and tourist accommodation like Bugoma Jungle Lodge and the new lodge in Mwera situated in the forest will also be destroyed. This will demoralize the efforts of the Investors in eco-tourism and conservation in this forest.

Currently, Bugoma Forest Reserve is home to over 10% of Uganda’s remaining chimpanzee population and several primates like the Ugandan mangabeys. If demolished, these internationally recognized wildlife species will be affected yet we are working towards achieving sustainable tourism.

The conservation efforts that have been done by many organizations in and around Bugoma Forest especially those having various projects dealing with tree planting, supporting farmers, a socio-economic supporter of the vulnerable communities including refugees in the area will be upset by a clear setback.

If successfully done, the degradation of Bugoma central forest will trigger a further escalation in degradation, or further loss of habitat and endangering the biodiversity.

Uganda will also lose credibility in respect and implementation of International Conventions such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) of 1992, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which Uganda ratified in 1993 with the objective to regulate levels of greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere; not forgetting the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Recommendations

As an Africa safari tour operator, I recommend that Bugoma Conservation Forest Reserve must be protected and left as it is we are to promote sustainable tourism.

Sugarcane growing and development should not take place at the expense of natural resources like Bugoma Central Forest Reserve. There is enough land elsewhere in Bunyoro that can accommodate sugar cane growth, without destroying vital natural resources. Hoima Sugar Works should cease from threatening Bugoma Central Forest Reserve eco-system and should desist from using local institutions and leaders to push forward its interests.

The Government of Uganda should come in and immediately intervene to reassure the protection of Bugoma forest as well as reassure the investment in eco-tourism and in accommodation in the area.

The Government of Uganda should urge Ugandans to respect the international conventions and protocols on environmental conservation to which the country is a signatory.

About Uganda 

Positioned in East Africa, Uganda, also christened as the Pearl of Africa is a politically independent African country characterized by mild weather, magnificent landscapes, beautiful flora and fauna. Uganda is straddled by the equator line giving a tourist opportunity to enjoy a two-hemisphere safari experience alongside other Uganda tour activities.
 
Uganda is one of the most visited African safari destinations by tourists from the world over. Choosing to take a Uganda safari with friends or family is the best travel decision as it will reward you will you crave to have a look at including Uganda wildlife safaris done in the various Uganda National Parks, birding safaris in Uganda, chimpanzee and gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda as well as other Uganda adventure safaris that include fishing, cycling, nature walks, sightseeing, zip-lining, horse riding, quad biking among the many.
A game drive in Murchison falls National Park
 
Uganda is ranked as one of Africa’s most hospitable nation despite the fact that it is a multi-lingual nation with 56 different languages spoken! These are different ethnic groups and all reside in harmony. These are grouped into Bantu, Nilotics and Nilo Hamites with the smallest tribal groups being the Batwa and IK (one of Africa’s smallest ethnic groups). The diversity in cultures within the tribal groups offers more than expected opportunities to experience different cultures on your safari in Uganda.
 
Uganda believes in great conservation, therefore, all the natural habitats of the country are conserved in 10 national parks each having a unique wonder to offer to its tourists during their safaris in Uganda. 

Most popular Uganda safari Packages

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