Bugoma Forest Apparently At A Verge Of Surviving Destruction

Bugoma Forest has of recent been the hot topic for conservationists especially those concerned with Uganda safari destinations not only for wildlife but also Uganda birding safari destinations. Masindi High Court judge Wilson Masalu Musene in April dismissed with costs a case that National Forestry Authority had filed against the Omukama of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Solomon Iguru Gafabusa, for alleged encroachment and degradation of the forest reserve to allow the cutting down of the forest for sugarcane growing. Various tourism and conservation activists recently started a campaign intended to save Bugoma Forest whose clearance court gave a green light to pave way for growing of sugar canes.

However, Bugoma forest may apparently be on its way to being saved from deforestation when President Museveni assured that he cannot look on as the environment is being threatened.

“We shall not allow such to be done. We shall make sure we bring it back,” President Museveni told journalists.

“Degrading wetlands and forests means someone is fighting 40% of Uganda’s rainfall. I cannot look on as people degrade forests.”

Museveni insisted he will make sure government protects Bugoma forest.

Uganda tour destination activists say the conservation of Bugoma Forest is paramount for the livelihood of the local farmers’ communities, who they say are in support of the conservation because of the benefits from the forest.

The conservation and tourism activists say the rare chimpanzees and the Ugandan mangabeys that are tourist attractions and occupy Bugoma Forest will be left homeless, a thing they say will impact negatively on the country’s tourism industry.

About Bugoma Forest

Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is the largest remaining block of natural tropical forest along the Albertine Rift Valley between Budongo forest and Semuliki National Park which is the best birding safari in Uganda destination. Gazetted in 1930’s and coming to the mandate of the National Forestry Authority in 2003, Bugoma Forest covers about 411 sq. km or 41.144 hectares of protected area. Bugoma Forest is situated south west of Hoima and northeast of Kyenjojo towns.

The forest is home to about 500 chimpanzees (10% of the Ugandan chimp population), making the forest an ideal Uganda chimpanzee trekking safari destination. Uganda has the highest population of Chimpanzees in the whole world most of them found in Kibale Forest National Park, a popular Uganda wildlife safari park especially for tourists on our famous 2 Days Chimpanzee Trekking Safari, 5 days Wildlife and Chimpanzee Safari in Uganda, 3 Days Chimpanzee trekking safari in Kibale Uganda and 4 Days Wildlife Chimpanzee Safari.

Bugoma Forest is also host to a population of Ugandan mangabeys, endemic to only this forest which is therefore a unique treasure. The forest is also home to about 221 bird species and a good bird watching tour in Uganda spot.

Safari Attractions Close To Bugoma Forest

Bugoma Forest being situated in the western part of the country is in a great safari Uganda destination where Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park are situated. Bwindi Forest and Mgahinga are the best Uganda gorilla safari destinations especially the popular 3 Days Uganda Gorilla tour to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, 3 days Gorilla trekking safari in Uganda and 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari to Bwindi. Queen Elizabeth National Park is the best Africa safari destination for the sight of the amazing tree climbing lions especially on this 4 Days Wildlife Safari in Uganda to Queen Elizabeth National Park.

For centuries Uganda has retained her glory as the Pearl of Africa not because of her position but because of the several unique attractions in the country. Conservation should therefore be everyone’s concern for the good of the motherland.