The Government of Uganda has officially handed over the management of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve from the National Forestry Authority to the Uganda Wildlife Authority in a move aimed at strengthening conservation efforts and stopping illegal activities threatening one of the country’s critical natural forests.
The handover ceremony was officiated on Sunday at the Kikuube District headquarters by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who represented President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
According to government officials, the transfer is intended to curb rampant encroachment, illegal logging, charcoal burning, and environmental degradation that have increasingly threatened the forest reserve in recent years.
Gladys Kamasanyu confirmed the development in a statement posted on X, saying: “Today, Bugoma Central Forest Reserve has been handed over to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. The forest will be managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. The move is intended primarily to stop encroachment, illegal logging, and charcoal burning.”
Officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority said the transition marks a new phase in protecting the ecologically sensitive forest, which is considered important for biodiversity conservation, tourism, water catchment protection, and climate regulation.
UWA spokesperson Bashir Hangi, who was present during the exercise, described the takeover as a major conservation milestone.
“Bugoma Central Forest Reserve now enters a new chapter under the management and protection of UWA,” Hangi said.
He added: “This marks a major step in strengthening conservation, restoring ecological integrity, protecting biodiversity, and safeguarding one of Uganda’s critical natural forests. Bugoma is important for wildlife, water catchments, climate regulation, tourism, and community livelihoods. Its protection is a national responsibility.”
Earlier in the day, Uganda Wildlife Authority announced that its top management team, led by Board Chairperson James Kalema, had arrived at Kisindi Forest Station in Bugoma for a reconnaissance mission ahead of the official handover.
“Happening now! Today is a handover of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve from the Ministry of Water and Environment to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities,” UWA said in a statement.
Authorities also revealed that enforcement operations had already commenced immediately after the takeover, with UWA rangers arresting two suspects and impounding a truck allegedly involved in illegal charcoal transportation on the very first day.
Government officials warned that individuals illegally occupying or degrading the forest reserve would face eviction without compensation as part of efforts to restore the integrity of the protected area.
However, authorities emphasized that surrounding communities would still be allowed regulated access to certain forest resources through formal application procedures managed by UWA.
The takeover of Bugoma Forest comes amid growing national concern over deforestation and environmental destruction in Uganda, where forests continue to face pressure from agricultural expansion, illegal timber harvesting, settlement, and charcoal production.
Environmental activists have repeatedly called for stronger protection of Bugoma Forest due to its role as a habitat for endangered wildlife species and its importance in maintaining ecological balance in the Albertine region.
The government says placing the reserve under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority is expected to improve enforcement, strengthen surveillance, and enhance long-term conservation of the forest ecosystem.