Bugoma Forest is one of Uganda’s important natural places located in Hoima District, western Uganda. It covers an area of 41,144 hectares and is home to a large number of chimpanzees.
The forest is bordered by Kyenjojo Town to the northeast and Lake Albert to the east. It was gazetted in the 1930s and now covers about 401 square kilometers, which is approximately 155 square miles.
Bugoma Forest is protected by the National Forestry Authority, a government organization responsible for looking after Uganda’s central forest reserves.
Bugoma Forest is blessed with many tourist attractions such as reptiles, butterflies, birds, chimpanzees, monkeys, unique tree species, wild animals like elephants, buffaloes, and Uganda kobs.
Apart from the chimpanzees that attract most visitors, the area is also a paradise for bird lovers. The forest is home to over 225 bird species that move from one place to another. These include Guinea-Congo Biome species, Nahan’s francolins, and black-eared ground thrush, among others. If you still have time, you can also visit Lake Albert or River Nkusi for more adventure.
Bugoma is not only green but also located on top of an escarpment east of Lake Albert, offering a wide view of the rift valley countryside. This semi-deciduous forest stands at a medium altitude, with half of it covered by ironwood trees, locally called “Muhimbi,” which are used for many purposes.
The forest is drained by four rivers, including River Rubwa, River Wake, and River Waisoke, which all flow into Lake Albert.
Sadly, Bugoma Forest is under threat because of illegal logging due to the high demand for timber. This has caused many animals to lose their habitats or get injured when trees are cut down. People have also started farming in the forest despite being expelled in 2012.
NEMA has worked very hard to help restore the forest by reclaiming some land that had been taken by the Hoima Sugarcane Plantation and other urban developments.
The easiest way to reach Bugoma Forest is by driving from Kampala through the Hoima–Fort Portal route. Then, branch off at Kabwoya Sub-county and pass through Kasindi Forest Station to reach the forest.
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