Biodiversity

The Ruwenzori Foundation’s grounds encompass 80 acres near Kyemihoko village, 11 kilometres north of Kasese town. The land slopes down to a short stretch of the River Sebwe and climbs 300 feet into the foothills of the Ruwenzori Mountains.

A programme of indigenous tree-planting together with the gradual reduction of exotic plant species is revitalising the land. Forest trees are grown from seed or sourced as seedlings and raised in nursery beds on site. The local community has also participated in exchanging seedlings and are encouraged to plant more native trees.

Because of this concerted effort to restore indigenous vegetation and a ban on hunting on Foundation land, an extraordinary diversity of birds, mammals and reptiles has been recorded living on, passing through or sheltering on site, the majority being attracted in by the sanctuary and shelter the trees provide.