On November 11th, 2024, Prof. Pauline Byakika Kibwika, the Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), embarked on an important visit to the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC) and Buhoma in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The primary objective of her visit was to familiarize herself with the MUST’s research institute and its activities, including its historical significance, collaborations with with various stakeholders such as the the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
The visit commenced at Ruhija, UWA park headquarters where Prof. Byakika was introduced to UWA by Associate Prof. Robert Bitariho, the ITFC’s erstwhile director. Associate Prof. Robert Bitariho provided insights into the ongoing initiatives and the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MUST and UWA.
He elaborated how ITFC has played an important role in carrying out management research that has been quickly used by UWA management. This includes research and censuses of Mountain Gorillas, a key specie for tourism development and revenue in Bwindi in particular and Uganda in general. The Chief Warden of the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area, Mr. Guma Nelson, shared the rich history of the region, highlighting the current situation and future prospects expected between UWA and MUST. Key among these were the increased and continued support of MUST in Mountain Gorilla census and research in Bwindi. He expressed gratitude for the partnership between MUST and UWA, emphasizing the value of research in promoting conservation efforts in Bwindi and other National parks managed by UWA. The Chief warden later invited the VC to track the Mountian Gorillas in Bwindi. The VC expressed her gratitude and appreciation for being warmly welcomed to Bwindi by the UWA and noted how MUST values the collaboration between MUST and UWA. She noted that it is her wish that ITFC is supported more to carry out research especially on mountain gorillas and censuses through increased mobilization of funds since mountain gorillas are flagship specie in Uganda and globally.
Following this, the Vice Chancellor later on attended a meeting at ITFC, Ruhija where Dr. Dennis Bababasa, the current director of ITFC, presented an overview of ITFC’s historical background, role, mandate, relevance, and impact as a research institution of MUST. The discussions were fruitful, with Prof. Byakika expressing her admiration of the work being carried out at ITFC, emphasizing the importance of conserving Uganda’s natural heritage. She encouraged students from the Faculty of Science, particularly the Department of Biology, to actively participate in research projects at the ITFC, under the mentorship of experienced faculty staff members. She noted that there is a need for more Ugandan researchers to contribute to conservation and wildlife scientific knowledge, as only Assoc. Prof. Robert Bitariho and Dr. Bababasa seemed to be the few Ugandans that had published works in collaborations with their international counterparts.
The Vice Chancellor urged ITFC staff to enhance capacity building by collaborating with sponsors to attach researchers for support. The team then toured the institute’s facilities, including the museum, library, accommodation facilities botanical gardens and, a field herbarium.
A walk through the surrounding forest allowed ITFC staff and MUST top management to share knowledge on the various tree species and their ecological and sociological importance.
Prof. Byakika’s visit continued with a trip to the MUST-KFC (Kigezi Forest Cottage) Gorilla Lodge in Buhoma, where she met with partners to discuss their objectives, challenges, and potential solutions the lodge was facing. She provided recommendations and encouraged the matters to be presented to the university’s top management for informed decision-making.
The final stop was at the Buhoma Community Campground Lodges, where community members shared their achievements, including the establishment of two primary schools and a savings and credit cooperative (SACCO). The Vice Chancellor commended their efforts and pledged support, emphasizing the importance of showcasing their achievements on the university’s website. She tasked Mr. Vincent Kwatampora Kansiime, the university secretary, with exploring capacity-building opportunities for the community.
Throughout her visit, Prof. Byakika underscored the significance of conserving Uganda’s natural heritage, describing the country as one of the most beautiful in the world, rich in flora and fauna. She articulated that “nature is essential for research and relaxation,” reinforcing MUST’s commitment to conservation science and sustainable development. By strengthening ties with UWA (Bwindi) and local communities, MUST is positioning itself as a leader in biodiversity conservation and community outreach.
