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By Brighton Aryampa

After robotically surviving the COVID-19 upset for over 2 years, Uganda’s tourism again faces the alleged ADF upset. 

The shooting and killing of two foreign tourists and one Ugandan on October 17, 2023, has hit the world spotlight news. No doubt, this has had a knock on Uganda’s tourism sector, taking us back to the years of the pandemic that Uganda and the world have tried to let go. 

But this incident should not be the face of Uganda’s tourism sector, because it is common knowledge that Uganda is not just blessed with hospitable people but also has very beautiful, unique, God-given fauna and flora. 

These protected areas are not just good for the eyes but rather make breathtaking, perfect memories and life living. Last week, I was in Murchison for which I have many stories for the world to consider but I will focus on the underrated tourism potentials in Bugoma forest, particularly the Chimpanzee social souls. 

 While Bugoma Central forest has traditionally faced challenges such as expansion of small-scale agriculture, population growth, and others, the deforestation and forest degradation challenges remain the greatest threats to the forest's survival.

These challenges escalated when in 2016, Uganda’s Ministry of Lands issued Bunyoro Kingdom with a freehold land title for the part of the forest that the kingdom claims. 

Thereafter, the kingdom leased the land it claims to Hoima Sugar Ltd, which started destroying the forest in 2020. The Satellite images from Maxar Worldview show that by March 3, 2022, the company had destroyed approximately 2,800 hectares of the forest.

The fact remains those 401.144 hectares Bugoma of protected remains the largest remaining block of natural tropical forest along the Albertine Rift Valley between Budongo and Semliki playing an enormous role in preserving wildlife migratory corridors. 

The forest is comprised of 257 different tree species and shrubs, 14 of which are on the IUCN red list but the uniqueness is the Chimpanzee population of over 570, which potentially could make Uganda a tourist hotspot again, and a revelation for Bugoma host communities to enjoy tourism related advantages. 

The uniqueness of Uganda’s chimps is their high social behavior. They live with communities, other animals, and birds that everyone would love to see. They sleep in trees, particularly the Ugandan ironwood tree that offers the firmest and stable place of comfort whilst building themselves nests of leaves. 

The key takeaway is that they live in tropical rainforests. As we speak now, this tourism opportunity is ours to lose amidst the alleged ADF backline. 

The continued Sugarcane plantation, illegal charcoal burning, oil and gas developments, and others are no doubt going to destroy the forest and natural habitat of chimpanzees which could be the face of Uganda’s tourism sector that not only contributes nearly 10% to Uganda’s GDP and is responsible for 23% of Uganda’s exports as well as earnings of as much as $1.6 billion but also employs over 667,000 people in Uganda. 

I urge our government through responsible ministries and agencies to work with organizations and host communities to build awareness about the threats chimpanzees face, develop action plans to preserve their habitats, and help community members to develop alternative livelihoods that do not jeopardize the animal’s habitat. 

These threats are being driven by a lack of sufficient information on the green economic alternatives that can be harnessed while protecting the forest. If these alternatives are not developed, more sections of the forest could be destroyed due to competing land use interests. 

Whilst I forget, I recommend the role of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for ordering Hoima Sugar Limited in September last year to restore the degraded part of Bugoma, and my prayer perhaps every nature-loving Ugandan prayer is to enforce the same. 

To secure the future of chimpanzees in Bugoma, we must appreciate the laws under the Uganda Wildlife Act cap 200. It is high time we start discussions of declaring Bugoma Forest as a national park to enjoy the breath of life memories as we stir economic development of Uganda through tourism revenues. 

The minister of tourism Hon. Col. (Rtd) Tom R. Butime can do this by invoking his powers under the law. Concisely, Chimpanzee Conservation in Bugoma forest can be a revelation and the face of the tourism sector amidst ADF backlash. #Let us bird-watch and walk nature in Bugoma. 

The writer is an advocate of the High Court and Chief Executive Officer of Youth for Green Communities.

aryampa.brighton@gmail.com / baryampa@ygcug.org