New drone initiative targets eco-crime in Mabira forest

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Drones are often associated with capturing spectacular aerial photographs and videos, typically seen in show business and high-profile events.

However, this is set to change in Mabira Central Forest Reserve, where young people living near the forest are turning to drones to track environmental offenders.

The high-tech approach to monitoring illegal activities—while promoting sustainable livelihoods such as beekeeping—has been introduced by the Green Companion Initiative Uganda (GCIU).

“I used to cut trees for charcoal because there were no options,” says Sarah Nabukenya, 27, a GCIU trainee turned beekeeper. “Now, my honey business earns me twice as much, and I help protect the forest.”

Mabira, which spans 30,000 hectares, is one of Uganda’s last remaining tropical rainforests—a biodiversity hotspot home to more than 300 bird species, rare primates, and vital water sources for surrounding communities. Yet, like many of Uganda’s forests, it faces relentless pressure from illegal logging, charcoal burning, and agricultural expansion, according to a statement to New Vision.

The forest has suffered from persistent crimes, including illegal logging and harvesting of various products, which are sold in Kampala and its outskirts, as well as in growing urban centres. The towns near Mabira include Lugazi, Jinja, Kayunga, and Mukono.

“It [is] encouraging to see young people using technology to protect what many take for granted,” said Julius Okello, senior forest supervisor at the National Forestry Authority (NFA). “Initiatives like this are what Mabira needs—not just protection, but purpose.”

GCIU, a Ugandan NGO, combines community empowerment, STEM education, and conservation technology to protect Mabira’s future—and the results are already visible.

In 2025, GCIU launched a pilot project training 50 local youth in GIS mapping, drone surveillance, and sustainable agroforestry. This was aimed at equipping them with tools to combat deforestation while creating green jobs, according to a statement from GCIU.

The impact has been significant, with a 35% reduction in illegal logging in monitored zones. Additionally, 30 young people have been employed as forest rangers or eco-tourism guides.

Moreover, 200 households have transitioned from charcoal burning to beekeeping and vanilla farming, boosting incomes while preserving trees.

GCIU plans to expand its model to cover 10,000 hectares of Mabira, with support from partners and funders.

“Mabira can be a blueprint for community-led conservation across Uganda,” said Karim Ssebugwawo, GCIU’s founder. “When people benefit from the forest without destroying it, everyone wins.”