Location
The forest is located in Bwikwe District 54 km on the Kampala/Jinja Highway and only 20 km from Jinja. It is one of the last remaining rain forest and biggest in Central Uganda. The forest covers a total area of 300nsq km. It has been a protected forest since 1932. It is a home of many endangered species of trees and primates and the only remaining forest within easy reach of the urban areas of Kampala. Jinja and Entebbe.
Deforestation plans
The Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited jointly owned by the Government of Uganda and by the Mehta Group has put a request to government to be alllowed to clear one-third of the Mabira Forest for sugarcane plantations . This will involve the government de-gazetting the land and transfering it to SCOUL. The government has far supported this plan.
The deforestation plans have been disputed within Uganda and by the environmentalists, The environmentalists fear the loss of hundreds of endangered species, increased erosion, the damage of livelihoods of local people and negative impacts on water balance and regional climate. The cabinet paper indicate the project would generate 3,500 jobs and contribute to the treasury.
The Kabaka of Buganda is opposed to the deforestation plans and has offered alternative land for sugarcane production. The Anglican church of Mukono has also offered land
However the recent statements from the government indicate that the plan of de-gazetting the land has not yet been shelved.
Tourist activities
- Specialty bird watching,
- Environmental Education (Study Tours)
- Camping
- Nature wallk
The forest is located in Bwikwe District 54 km on the Kampala/Jinja Highway and only 20 km from Jinja. It is one of the last remaining rain forest and biggest in Central Uganda. The forest covers a total area of 300nsq km. It has been a protected forest since 1932.Wildlife and environment
It is a home of many endangered species of trees and primates and it is biggest remaining rain forest in Central Uganda.
Deforestation plans
The Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited jointed owned by the Government of Uganda and by the Mehta Group planned to clear one-third of the Mabira Forest for sugarcane plantations, and had proposed to the government to de-gazette this land and transfer it to SCOUL. The government has far supported this plan.
The deforestation plans have been disputed within Uganda and by the environmentalists, The environmentalists fear the loss of hundreds of endangered species, increased erosion, the damage of livelihoods of local people and negative impacts on water balance and regional climate. The cabinet paper indicate the project would generate 3,500 jobs and contribute to the treasury.
The Kabaka of Buganda is opposed to the deforestation plans and has offered alternative land for sugarcane production. The Anglican church of Mukono has also offered land
In May 2007, the Ugandan Environmental minister announced that the deforestation plans were suspended and that the government is trying to find alternative land for the Mehta Group.
Tourist activities
Specialty bird watching,
Environmental Education (Study Tours)
Camping