KIKUUBE, February 24, 2026 — Tourism stakeholders and hoteliers in the Bunyoro Subregion have called on the government to take urgent action against encroachers they accuse of degrading Bugoma Forest Reserve in Kikuube district.
The group convened on Thursday at Bugoma Jungle Lodge, located within the forest in Kabwoya Subcounty. Following their meeting, they toured parts of the reserve to assess and document the extent of the destruction.
While visiting Nsozi village in Kyangwali Subcounty, members were shocked to find that areas once characterised by dense, impenetrable forest had been cleared to bare ground.
They reported that encroachers are engaged in activities including the cultivation of maize, sorghum, cannabis and beans, as well as timber harvesting and charcoal burning.
In a statement issued after the recent visit, the delegation, led by Costantino Tessarin, Director of Destination Jungle, described those responsible for the destruction of the forest as “enemies of the tourism sector”.
Tessarin cited statistics indicating that by 2025, 7,808 hectares of the forest had been lost, with a further 4,084 hectares cleared in 2026 alone.
He noted that the reserve is home to rare species including chimpanzees, numerous bird species, black-and-white colobus monkeys, mangabeys, baboons and butterflies, all of which attract tourists to the area.
The forest is also a source of important medicinal tree species such as Prunus africana [Entaseesa], used in the treatment of prostate cancer and other ailments; Warburgia ugandensis [Omusikambuzi], used in the production of Covidex; and tamarind [Omukooge], among others.
According to Tessarin, the continued destruction of the forest is leading to the loss of biodiversity, with direct consequences for tourism. He added that chimpanzees are being displaced as their habitat shrinks. In 2005, Bugoma was home to an estimated 590 chimpanzees, but that number has reportedly fallen to about 250.
Tessarin, who also serves as Director of Bugoma Jungle Lodge, a popular stopover for tourists travelling to Murchison Falls National Park, warned that the destruction of the forest is exacerbating climate change. He said Uganda risks losing one of its largest natural carbon sinks, which is vital for climate stability and human survival.
He urged the government to take immediate and decisive action to halt further encroachment and safeguard the reserve.
“Under Article 237 of the Constitution of Uganda and Section 44 of the Land Act, the central and local governments hold in trust for the people natural lakes, rivers, forest reserves, wetlands, streams and national parks for ecological and tourism purposes,” he said.
Another tour operator, Richard Businge, expressed concern that recent directives issued by the Lands Minister, Judith Nabakooba, ordering a halt to forest clearing for timber and charcoal production, had not been enforced.
“As we entered the forest, we found individuals operating power saws, cutting trees, burning charcoal and harvesting maize. When they saw us, they fled. This shows the minister’s directive is not being implemented,” he said.
John Mugabo, a member of the Kabwoya Environment Conservation Association, described Bugoma Forest Reserve as a key source of rainfall in the region. He warned that its continued destruction is having adverse climate effects.
He also highlighted rising human-wildlife conflict, reporting that chimpanzees, baboons and other wildlife are straying into gardens and homes, destroying crops and injuring residents, particularly children.
Kikuube Resident Commissioner Godwine Agalia Kasiwa said district security agencies are working with various stakeholders to protect the forest.
He stated that several lorries transporting timber and charcoal have been impounded, arrests have been made, and permits allegedly issued improperly to encroachers have been revoked. He added that enforcement operations are ongoing.
https://thecooperator.news/bugoma-forest-reserve-boundary-opening-resumes/
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