The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has assumed temporary management of Bugoma, Echuya and Bukaleba Central Forest Reserves following a decision by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom R. Butime, to gazette new management measures for the three important ecosystems.
The measures, issued under Section 28 of the Uganda Wildlife Act, Cap. 315, place the reserves under UWA’s temporary management for a period of six months as government moves to complete the process of declaring the forests Wildlife Conservation Areas.
Under the new arrangement, UWA will be responsible for strengthening protection and conservation efforts in the three reserves through deployment of staff, securing boundaries, preventing encroachment and illegal use of forest resources, restoring degraded areas, and enhancing law enforcement operations.
The Authority will also undertake conservation research, promote sustainable tourism opportunities, conduct community awareness campaigns, and work with relevant government agencies to support the formal gazettement process.
The move comes as government intensifies efforts to protect Uganda’s critical forest ecosystems, which play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, water catchment protection and supporting surrounding communities.
UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, welcomed the development, saying the gazetted measures provide the necessary legal framework for the Authority to safeguard the three forests while the process of their declaration as Wildlife Conservation Areas is finalized.
“”The temporary management measures provide UWA with the mandate to enhance conservation, protect these ecosystems and work with stakeholders to ensure their long-term sustainability,” Dr. Musinguzi said.
He called for cooperation from local communities, leaders and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the measures.
UWA emphasized that effective conservation requires a collective effort from government institutions, local authorities and communities living around the reserves.
The Authority said protecting Bugoma, Echuya and Bukaleba forests will contribute to preserving Uganda’s natural heritage while creating opportunities for research, tourism development and environmental sustainability.
The temporary management measures will remain in force for six months, pending Parliament’s consideration and possible declaration of the three Central Forest Reserves as Wildlife Conservation Areas.