The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) has scheduled the opening and verification of the boundaries of Bugoma Central Forest Reserve for October 15, 2026, following a stakeholder engagement with Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and other key stakeholders aimed at resolving longstanding concerns surrounding the forest.
During the meeting, Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom requested that its surveyors participate alongside the principal surveyors, while the Ministry responsible for Lands is expected to provide the official map before the exercise begins.
The engagement, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of MTWA and represented by Mr. Stephen Fred Okiror, brought together government officials, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) representatives, Kingdom leaders, community members, lawyers, security agencies, conservation partners and investors.
Addressing the stakeholders, Wildlife Officer Charles Kijjambu emphasised the importance of opening and verifying the forest boundaries, noting that the exercise would help establish clear limits and prevent future conflicts.
He urged all parties to prioritise national interests over individual interests to ensure a transparent and peaceful process.UWA Commissioner for Legal Affairs, Counsel Sabira Mongea, said the authority had been brought into the matter as part of efforts to find a lasting solution to the existing conflict.
Emphasising the need for a clear technical process, Mongea said stakeholders could not establish the limits of their land without first conducting a boundary-opening exercise.
“You cannot know where your land ends if you have not done the boundary opening,” she said.
She further clarified that UWA had no claim or interest in land outside Bugoma Central Forest Reserve and welcomed the proposed survey, saying it would provide clarity on the boundaries.
Representing the UWA Executive Director, Acting Commissioner for Biodiversity Management John Makombo reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to working with Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom and other partners to restore Bugoma Forest and strengthen conservation efforts.
Makombo described Bugoma as a critical environmental resource, particularly because of its role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation and wildlife connectivity.
“Bugoma is a very key climate regulator,” he noted.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining connections between forest habitats to enable chimpanzees and other wildlife to move between them.
Meanwhile, representatives of Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom welcomed the stakeholder engagement but emphasised the need to recognise historical interests and address community concerns as the process moves forward.
Constantine Tessa, Director of Bugoma Jungle Lodge, also welcomed the proposed boundary-opening exercise, describing it as important in the national interest.
Tessa urged community leaders to respect the process and called for continued dialogue among the parties, rather than relying solely on court proceedings to resolve their differences.
Boundary Exercise to Begin October 15One of the key resolutions of the meeting was that the boundary survey and opening exercise would commence on October 15, 2026.
The Kingdom’s request to have its surveyors participate alongside the principal surveyors was also raised, while the Ministry responsible for Lands is expected to provide the official map ahead of the exercise.
Stakeholders further agreed to uphold integrity throughout the process and implement the Presidential directive in accordance with the principles and values guiding the exercise.
The engagement marks a step towards resolving longstanding concerns over Bugoma Central Forest Reserve through technical verification, dialogue and cooperation among the government, the Kingdom, local communities and conservation stakeholders.
The outcome of the boundary exercise is expected to provide greater clarity regarding the forest’s limits and support ongoing efforts to protect and restore the ecosystem for biodiversity, surrounding communities and future generations.
