By Peter Luzinda
Kampala, Uganda
The Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, has today, Thursday, April 23, 2026 directed that the contested Bugoma Central Forest Reserve be handed over to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities in a decisive move aimed at curbing escalating encroachment and environmental degradation.
The directive marks a significant policy shift in the management of one of Uganda’s most ecologically sensitive forest reserves, which has in recent years come under intense pressure from illegal logging, land grabbing, and disputed commercial activities.
Bugoma Forest, located in Kikuube District, is currently managed by the National Forestry Authority. However, concerns over its continued depletion have triggered calls for stronger conservation oversight, with government now leaning toward placing the reserve under a framework that prioritizes biodiversity protection and tourism development.
Officials indicate that transferring the forest to the tourism ministry could pave the way for enhanced protection measures, including tighter law enforcement, restoration programs, and the possible involvement of the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The move also aligns with broader government efforts to expand Uganda’s eco-tourism footprint while safeguarding critical natural habitats.
Environmentalists have long warned that the destruction of Bugoma Forest threatens endangered species, particularly chimpanzees, as well as vital ecosystems that support climate regulation and local livelihoods. The forest serves as an important wildlife corridor and water catchment area, making its preservation a national priority.
While the Prime Minister’s directive signals urgency, the transition is expected to undergo administrative and legal processes before full implementation. Stakeholders, including conservation groups and local leaders, are now closely monitoring how the handover will be executed and whether it will translate into tangible protection on the ground.
The latest development adds to a series of high-level government interventions aimed at reversing environmental loss in Uganda, as pressure mounts to balance economic interests with sustainable natural resource management.
