The Mabira Forest is a tropical rainforest covering approximately 300 square kilometers (120 square miles) or 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) in Uganda’s Buikwe District. Situated between Lugazi and Jinja, it has been protected as the Mabira Forest Reserve since 1932. This forest is home to numerous endangered species, including the Uganda mangabey (Lophocebus ugandae).

Geography of Mabira Forest

The Mabira Forest Reserve lies north of Lake Victoria, spanning 30,038 hectares of gently undulating terrain. Its landscape consists of flat-topped hills separated by broad stream valleys, with elevations ranging from 1,070 to 1,340 meters above sea level. Although close to Lake Victoria’s southern boundary, the forest’s streams drain primarily northward into the Victoria Nile.

Surrounding the reserve are agricultural areas interspersed with approximately 27 enclaves of settled communities.

Ecology Of Mabira forests in Uganda

Mabira Forest is the largest remaining tract of semi-evergreen rainforest within the Victoria Basin forest-savanna mosaic ecoregion. Classified as secondary forest, it has experienced significant human influence over the years. Logging activities in the early 20th century targeted valuable timber species such as East African mahogany (Khaya anthotheca) and mvule (Milicia excelsa), significantly depleting these trees. The forest reserve also faced agricultural encroachment in the 1970s and 1980s, when banana and coffee plantations were established within its boundaries.

Despite these challenges, Mabira Forest boasts remarkable biodiversity. It is home to:

• 315 bird species
• 312 tree species
• 218 butterfly species
• 97 moth species
• 23 small mammal species

Historical Use: Rubber Production in Mabira Forests

In 1900, the East Africa and Uganda Exploration Company leased Mabira Forest for rubber production, establishing the Mabira Forest Rubber Company. However, attempts to harvest 500,000 pounds of wild rubber annually proved economically unviable due to low yields and the high costs of clearing the dense forest. The company subsequently shifted to cultivating rubber and coffee.

Threats and Controversies: Deforestation Plans

In 2007, the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL), jointly owned by the Ugandan government and the Mehta Group, proposed clearing one-third of Mabira Forest (approximately 70 square kilometers or 27 square miles) for sugarcane plantations. President Yoweri Museveni and his cabinet supported the plan, citing economic benefits such as job creation and increased tax revenue.

However, the proposal faced fierce opposition from environmental activists, local communities, and religious leaders. Critics warned of the loss of endangered species, soil erosion, water imbalances, and climate disruption. In contrast, proponents highlighted the potential to create 3,500 jobs and generate UGX 11.5 billion in revenue.

Notable opposition came from the Kabaka (King) of Buganda, who offered alternative land for sugarcane farming, and the Anglican Church of Mukono, which also proposed land donations.

Protests against the deforestation plans escalated into riots, with at least three fatalities and violence targeting the Mehta Group, an Indian-owned company. SCOUL plantations were set on fire, and campaigns to boycott their Lugazi sugar gained momentum.

President Museveni defended the proposal, arguing that processing industries represent Africa’s future. However, in May 2007, the Ugandan environmental minister announced the suspension of the deforestation plans, pledging to find alternative land for the Mehta Group.

Tourism

Mabira Forest Reserve attracts both local and international visitors with its stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Popular activities include birdwatching, wildlife viewing, guided nature walks, camping, cycling, monkey tracking, zip-lining, and cultural experiences with local communities.

Tourism serves as a vital source of revenue for both the government and the surrounding communities, fostering conservation and sustainable development.

Sources