List of forests in Uganda
- BeyondForest
- Dec 5, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 8
By the end of this section you will have learnt
0.)About Uganda’s Rich Forest Heritage
3.)Uganda Forest Cover and Deforestation Trends (1990–2025)
4.)The Role of the National Forestry Authority (NFA)
5.)FAQs on Forests in Uganda
Image of Mabira Forest in Buikwe District, Uganda
The National Forestry Authority (NFA) is Uganda’s statutory body responsible for managing the country’s Central Forest Reserves (CFRs) 506 gazetted forests covering approximately 1.26 million hectares.
Image of primates at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda
Established in 2003 under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, NFA operates under the Ministry of Water and Environment.
Uganda, often referred to as the "Pearl of Africa is one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse countries, blessed with lush forests that form the backbone of its natural heritage. These forests, ranging from tropical rainforests to dry woodlands and mountain ecosystems, cover about 12.6% of the country’s land area and provide vital ecosystem services.
Image of Monkeys on the Road at Mabira Forest by Dagiztravel
They regulate water cycles, conserve soils, support biodiversity, and act as carbon sinks crucial for mitigating climate change. Forests such as Mabira, Budongo, Kalinzu, Echuya, and Mt. Elgon are home to a stunning variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, elephants, rare birds, and medicinal plants.
Traditionally hunters and gatherers, the Batwa depend on forests for their livelihood and culture.
Forest cover: 12.6 % of national land area (down from 24.1 % in 1990).
Total forest area: ~2.6 million ha.
Central Forest Reserves (CFRs): 1.26 million ha managed by NFA.
Private & community forests: ~1.3 million ha.
Deforestation rate (2023–2024): ~100,000 ha annually.
Budongo Forest, near Murchison Falls National Park, is known for chimpanzee tracking and nature walks
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest | Kisoro districts. | 79320.8 acres |
Mabira Forest | Buikwe District | 75614.2 acres |
Budongo Forest | Masindi and Hoima. | 203862 acres |
Kibale Forest | near Fort Portal. | 196449 acres |
Rwenzori Mountains Forest | Southwestern Uganda, | 246117 acres |
Kalinzu Forest | near Queen Elizabeth National Park. | 36324.5 acres |
Echuya Forest | near Kabale and Kisoro districts | 8401.58 acres |
Zoka Forest | Adjumani District. | 30888.2 acres |
Maramagambo Forest | Bushenyi District | 73143.2 acres |
Mpanga Forest | Mpigi District | 11119.7 acres |
Itwara Forest | Kyenjojo District. | 21498.2 acres |
Kasyoha-Kitomi Forest | near Kibale National Park. | 106997 acres |
Mount Elgon Forest | Eastern Uganda, bordering Kenya. | 274287 acres |
Malabigambo Forest | South-central Uganda | 5683.42 acres |
Kyambura Gorge Forest | within Queen Elizabeth National Park | 2471.05 acres |
Mabamba Swamp Forest | near Lake Victoria | 3953.69 acres |
Bugoma Forest | Hoima and Kikuube districts. | 101560 acres |
Sango Bay Forest | Rakai District. | 37312.9 acres |
Mabale Forest | near Kyenjojo. | 49421.1 acres |
Karamoja Forest Reserves | Karamoja region. | |
North Karamoja Forest Reserve | Kaabong District. | 23475 acres |
South Busoga Forest Reserve | Bugiri districts. | 41019.5 acres |
Agoro-Agu Forest | Lamwo District. | 12108.2 acres |
Kafu River Forest Reserve | Kafu River. | 17544.5 acres |
Image of a Chimpanzee with open mouth at Kibale Forest by Mountain Gorilla Coffee Tours
Uganda’s forests fall into two main categories natural forests and planted forests, each playing a vital role in environmental stability and community livelihoods.
Major Forests in Uganda
Mabira Forest – Near Jinja, a popular ecotourism spot.
Budongo Forest – Known for chimpanzees and mahogany trees.
Kalinzu Forest – Biodiversity hotspot near Queen Elizabeth Park.
Echuya Forest – A bamboo-dominated montane forest.
Zoka, Bugoma, and Kasyoha-Kitomi Forests – Important for conservation and carbon storage.
Natural forests include tropical high forests, woodlands, and montane forests. These are dominated by indigenous tree species such as mahogany, ironwood, mvule, and eucalyptus (in mixed stands). Tropical high forests like Budongo, Mabira, and Kalinzu are dense and evergreen, supporting rich biodiversity including primates, birds, and rare medicinal plants.
Woodlands found in drier areas such as northern and eastern Uganda consist mainly of acacias and combretum species, offering grazing and firewood resources. Montane forests occur on highlands such as Mount Elgon and the Rwenzori Mountains, where they protect critical water catchments.
Planted or plantation forests are established to meet timber and industrial needs. These include fast-growing species like pine, cypress, and eucalyptus, managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and private tree farmers.
Mabira, Budongo, Echuya, Kalinzu, Zoka, Kisindi, Lwamunda, Mpanga, Bugoma, Kasyoha-Kitomi, Itwara, Sango Bay, and Mount Kei.These forests are biodiversity hotspots providing habitats for chimpanzees, elephants, duikers, and rare birds, while acting as carbon sinks and water catchments.
Uganda’s forest cover has drastically declined over the past three decades due to rapid population growth, agricultural expansion, and high demand for fuelwood. In 1990, forests covered about 24.1% of the country’s land area, equivalent to nearly 4.9 million hectares. By 2025, this has fallen to around 12.6%, or about 2.6 million hectares. The National Forestry Authority (NFA) attributes most forest loss to encroachment, illegal logging, and charcoal production. Despite this decline, Uganda has intensified restoration efforts, aiming to restore 600,000 hectares and increase forest cover to 20% by 2030 through tree planting and community forestry programs.
Uganda’s forests are home to
7 % of the world’s mammal species,
over 1,000 bird species, and
more than 3,000 plant species.
The Role of the National Forestry Authority (NFA)
The National Forestry Authority (NFA) is the government agency mandated to manage Uganda’s 506 Central Forest Reserves (CFRs), covering about 1.26 million hectares. Established in 2003 under the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, NFA promotes sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and restoration of degraded ecosystems.
Uganda Forests support 90 % of Uganda’s energy needs (firewood & charcoal) and regulate 40 % of the country’s water supply through watershed protection.
NFA produces millions of tree seedlings annually, supports community forestry initiatives, and enforces laws against illegal logging and encroachment. NFA also facilitates eco-tourism, monitors forest health using GIS and satellite technology, and partners with local and international organizations to combat deforestation and mitigate climate change impacts across Uganda.
The NFA aims to increase forest cover to 20% by 2030 through large-scale tree planting, restoration of degraded lands, and public-private partnerships.
What percentage of Uganda is covered by forest in 2025?
As of 2025, Uganda’s forest cover stands at approximately 12.6% of the total land area down from 24% in 1990. This includes both natural forests and plantations managed by the National Forestry Authority (NFA) and private owners.
What are the main causes of deforestation in Uganda?
Uganda’s forests face major pressure from agricultural expansion, charcoal burning, illegal logging, and settlement encroachment. Rapid population growth and the demand for fuelwood have accelerated forest clearance, especially in central and western regions.
The Mabira Forest Reserve, located along the Kampala–Jinja Highway, is one of Uganda’s largest and most famous forests, covering about 30,000 hectares. It is home to hundreds of bird species, primates like the red-tailed monkey, and valuable hardwood trees.
Other large forests include Budongo, Bugoma, and Kalinzu, all part of the country’s Central Forest Reserves managed by NFA.
What does the National Forestry Authority do?
The National Forestry Authority (NFA) is Uganda’s lead agency in charge of managing all 506 Central Forest Reserves (CFRs). It promotes sustainable forest management through restoration, law enforcement, eco-tourism, and community forestry.
Visitors can explore Uganda’s forests through guided tours and eco-tourism programs managed by the NFA and private operators. Mabira Forest is easily accessible from Kampala or Jinja, offering canopy walks and bird-watching trails
