Uganda is home to some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in Africa.
Uganda is home to some of the highest concentrations of biodiversity in Africa. More than 5,000 plant species are found in the country along with 345 mammals, 1,015 birds, 165 reptiles, and 43 amphibians.The forests of Uganda are of crucial importance at a local and global level.
At the local level, forests are overwhelmingly significant to many Ugandan cultures, for which forest resources are central to local peoples’ identities, livelihoods, and the survival of their communities. At the global level, Uganda hosts the edges of the Congo Basin Rainforest which plays a critically important role in regulating the planet’s climate and regulating rainfall in much of Africa.
However, the government is illegally giving away forest reserves for conversion into commercial plantations despite major protests from local communities, MPs, NGOs, and even the civil servants responsible for the forest sector. Indeed, members of staff in the National Forest Authority are steadfastly refusing to support the government and are currently resigning one by one.
In addition to supporting the campaign against these illegal decisions, the Rainforest Foundation has begun a new project aimed at strengthening the ability of Ugandan NGOs to engage in and influence forestry policy and decision making processes, as well as supporting local communities in negotiating with and lobbying forest authorities. Strengthening the voice of Ugandan civil society will put greater pressure on the government to abide by the law, respect forest peoples' rights and livelihoods, and to protect and sustainbly manage Uganda’s forests.
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