Snakes of West Bugwe: Bridging Coexistence Between Humans and Wildlife

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With support from A Rocha International and the Global Conservation Fund, A Rocha Uganda has conducted a snake survey under the project, Fostering Sustainable Coexistence of Humans with Snakes and Primates to conserve Biological Diversity in West Bugwe Central Forest Reserve.

The survey aimed to identify snake species in the forest, their diet, prey, and the dynamics of human-wildlife interactions. We recorded about 8 species including the Egyptian Cobra, Boiga, Forest Night Adder, Jamsoni’s mamba, Puff adder, Common green snake, Egg Eater, and the Eastern Forest Cobra. These findings will guide efforts to improve co-existence, reduce snake and human deaths, and design safety measures such as providing antivenom to enhance community safety.

A Message of Gratitude and Hope

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As we close this year, A Rocha Uganda extends heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, donors, the A Rocha Worldwide family, and everyone who has supported us in countless ways. Whether through prayers, words of encouragement, generous giving, or thoughtful advice, you have made a significant impact. We deeply appreciate individuals, institutions, churches, well-wishers, and sister organizations—both within and outside A Rocha—who have walked this journey with us. Your support has also touched the lives of children in our goat project and strengthened the communities we serve around the world.

This year has been filled with challenges and unexpected turns, but thanks to your unwavering support, we have achieved remarkable milestones. As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited about the opportunities that lie before us:

  • Expanding our work to hard-to-reach areas such as Northern Uganda, inspiring more children to plant trees and protect the environment, advancing research and conservation efforts in the unique biodiversity of West Bugwe Forest, promoting Creation Care in communities and churches, and developing our center in Kapeeka to serve our mission better.

We warmly invite you to continue this journey with us by giving and investing in these transformative projects. Together, we can create an even greater impact.

Wishing you a joyful Christmas and a hopeful start to 2025!

Dr. Sara Kaweesa

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From West Bugwe to Mbale: Empowering the Next Generation of Environmental Ambassadors

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To inspire a deeper connection with nature, we arranged a Child Nature Connect trip to a zoo in Mbale City, bringing along around 65 participants, including learners, teachers, and headteachers. The journey from West Bugwe to CWMbale Eco-Tourist Lodge and Zoo was long, but the goal was to give the children a firsthand experience of nature.

The visit was truly refreshing and educational. Many of the children had never seen the animals and plants they encountered. It was their first time seeing creatures like ostriches, donkeys, camels, and even a python up close. The sight of a crested crane, different tree species, a crocodile, and monkeys was both fascinating and surprising for them.

The experience opened their eyes to the diversity of life and reinforced the importance of preserving and conserving nature. We emphasized the role they could play as environmental ambassadors in their schools and communities. It was clear from their reactions that the trip had a profound impact, deepening their appreciation for the natural world and their commitment to protecting it.

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Empowering Minds: The Long-Term Impact of our School Learning Exchange Visits

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On 9th August, A Rocha’s Environmental Education department organized a learning exchange visit involving eight schools. These schools came together at Kawempe CU Primary School, where students had the opportunity to explore and learn about innovative environmental practices. Kawempe CU had implemented various techniques to enhance their green environment, including a unique plastic bottle gate that captured everyone’s attention.

During the visit, students observed how Kawempe CU had transformed their surroundings with lush greenery, thriving gardens, and sustainable practices. The plastic bottle gate, in particular, stood out as a creative and practical example of recycling. The school’s vibrant vegetable gardens and tree nurseries also impressed the visitors.

The impact of the visit was profound. Students were inspired by Kawempe CU’s green initiatives and expressed their enthusiasm to replicate these practices at their own schools. They planned to build their own plastic bottle gates, cultivate vegetable gardens around their classrooms, and embrace succulent gardening. They were also committed to ensuring that their schools remained clean and green by promoting recycling and preventing littering.

Beyond the environmental lessons, the visit fostered new friendships. Teachers and students from the participating schools connected and networked, creating bonds that extended beyond the educational exchange. This social aspect was a significant highlight of our Eco- Schools program, demonstrating how collaboration can enrich both learning and community spirit.

As we continue to support these schools, we look forward to seeing how they implement their new ideas and contribute to a greener and more connected community.

West Bugwe: Building Stronger Communities with Eco-Friendly Lorena Stoves

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We have successfully empowered 200 households to build 200 Lorena stoves in their kitchens. These stoves support both our environmental and social goals, making them a valuable strategy in the West Bugwe forest conservation project.

With this initiative, we hope to have reduced cases of deforestation since these use less wood which means less pressure on the forest.  In addition, it is a sustainable livelihood which also aligns with our forest conservation goals.

Through the training we have given them in stove construction and maintenance, we sought to create job opportunities and foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards forest resources.

Lorena stoves, widely used in rural and developing areas, offer several advantages:

  • Fuel Efficiency: Lorena stoves are designed to use less wood than traditional open-fire cooking methods. This makes them more sustainable and economical, especially in West Bugwe where we hope to reduce fuel use.
  • Cost-Effective Construction: Lorena stoves are made from locally available materials like clay and sand, making them affordable and accessible for communities around the forest.
  • Environmentally Friendly: By using less wood and producing less smoke, Lorena stoves help reduce deforestation and environmental pollution.
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Transform Your Land with Agroforestry: Practical Tips for a Greener Future

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Agroforestry is the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to create a more diverse, productive, and sustainable land-use system. It combines agriculture and forestry practices to benefit from the interactions between trees, crops, and livestock.

Considerations Before Starting Agroforestry

Site Assessment

  • Climate: Understand the local climate (temperature, rainfall) to select suitable species.
  • Soil: Test soil fertility, texture, and pH to determine necessary amendments.
  • Water Availability: Ensure adequate water sources for irrigation and livestock.

System Design

  • Species Selection: Choose compatible tree, crop, and livestock species that meet your goals.
  • Spacing and Layout: Plan the spatial arrangement to optimize light, water, and nutrient use.
  • Integration: Consider how different components (trees, crops, livestock) interact and benefit each other.

Management Practices

  • Planting and Maintenance: Proper planting techniques, pruning, and care for trees and crops.
  • Pest and Disease Control: Integrated pest management strategies to protect all components.
  • Harvesting and Marketing: Plan for harvesting schedules and market access for different products.

Economic and Social Factors

  • Investment and Costs: Initial investment in seedlings, infrastructure, and labor.
  • Community Involvement: Engage local communities and stakeholders for support and knowledge sharing.
  • Sustainability: Implement practices that ensure long-term sustainability and soil health.
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Setting up Nursery Beds for Commercial Ventures: Tips and Best Practices

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Planning and Preparation

  • Identify Your Goals: Determine the purpose of your tree nursery (e.g., reforestation, sale of seedlings, community projects).
  • Research: Study the local climate, soil conditions, and suitable tree species.
  • Location: Choose a suitable site with adequate sunlight, water access, and good soil drainage.

Designing the Nursery

  • Layout: Plan the layout considering seedbeds, pathways, water sources, and storage areas.
  • Infrastructure: Set up basic infrastructure such as shade structures, irrigation systems, and fencing to protect against animals.

Preparing the Soil

  • Soil Testing: Test the soil for pH, nutrients, and texture to understand its suitability for growing trees.
  • Soil Improvement: Amend the soil with organic matter, compost, or fertilizers to improve its fertility and structure.

Sourcing Seeds and Seedlings

  • Seed Collection: Collect seeds from healthy, mature trees or purchase from reputable suppliers.
  • Seed Treatment: Some seeds may require treatments like scarification or stratification to improve germination rates.
  • Seed Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry place if not planting immediately.

Sowing Seeds

  • Seedbeds: Prepare seedbeds with fine, well-drained soil. Ensure they are weed-free.
  • Sowing: Sow seeds at the appropriate depth and spacing. Cover lightly with soil and mulch to retain moisture.
  • Labeling: Clearly label seedbeds with species names and sowing dates.

Transplanting Seedlings

  • Seedling Care: Once seeds germinate and seedlings grow to a manageable size, transplant them into individual containers or larger beds.
  • Container Types: Use appropriate containers such as pots, bags, or trays with drainage holes.

Watering and Fertilizing

  • Irrigation: Set up a consistent watering schedule. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
  • Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizers or organic compost to promote healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Monitoring: Regularly inspect plants for signs of pests or diseases.
  • Control Measures: Use organic or chemical control methods as needed, following safety guidelines.

Maintaining the Nursery

  • Weeding: Keep the nursery free of weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.
  • Pruning: Prune seedlings to promote strong growth and desired shapes.
  • Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final locations.

Record Keeping

  • Documentation: Keep detailed records of seed sources, planting dates, germination rates, and any treatments applied.
  • Tracking Growth: Monitor and document the growth and health of seedlings regularly.

Community Involvement

  • Engagement: Involve the local community in nursery activities through volunteer programs, workshops, and educational tours.
  • Awareness: Promote awareness about the importance of tree planting and forest conservation.

Scaling Up

  • Expansion: As the nursery grows, consider expanding your operations by increasing the variety of species, improving infrastructure, or partnering with other organizations.
  • Sustainability: Implement sustainable practices to ensure the long-term success of the nursery, such as using renewable resources and conserving water.

Why a tower garden?

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  • Fresh and Healthy Produce: Growing your own vegetables, herbs, and fruits ensures you have access to fresh and nutrient-rich produce. This can enhance your diet and overall health.

  • Space Efficiency: Tower gardens are designed to be space-efficient, making them ideal for urban settings or places with limited gardening space. They can fit in small areas and even indoors.

  • Cost Savings: Over time, growing your own food can save money on grocery bills, especially if you grow high-turnover items like lettuce, herbs, and tomatoes.

According to research tower gardens are an excellent way of farming. They increase harvests by an average of 30%, plants grow up to three times more quickly, tower gardens use as much as 98% less water, the vertical design requires 90% less space and lastly pollution and pests are less of a problem.

By setting up a tower garden, you’re investing in your health, education, and the environment. It’s a project that offers numerous benefits and can be a source of joy and pride.

West Bugwe Forest: Stakeholders unite for Sustainable Conservation and Development.

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On 15th of May at Bulumbi subcounty, one of the sub counties in Busia district, a group of 75 stakeholders from the National Forestry Authority, Busia district, the faith groups, the schools plus the farmers that we trained in the different livelihoods gathered for a meeting to discuss the project’s progress report: its successes, challenges and our views on how to make the project sustainable and inclusive.

This meeting would determine the future of the forest project, which aimed to preserve this natural treasure while promoting sustainable development. The great feedback we got is an assurance that the project is valued and that it is an asset to the district.

One of the highlights from the meeting was the fact that baboons have made it almost impossible for the families around the forest to grow any food let alone cook it; they eat from their gardens and from their saucepans also. The attendees advised that we involve the Vermin officer of Busia district to see to it that the farmers are helped.

Exploring nature: Child Nature Connect tour to the Entebbe Botanical gardens cultivates a passion for nature.

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On the morning of 4th May, a group of 15 children together with their teachers eagerly gathered at the Botanical gardens for a special tour. This tour promised an adventure filled with birds, animals, and plants.

The goal of this yearly trip is always to inspire and empower the children and teachers alike to become passionate advocates for the preservation of our planet’s environments.

“What has stood out for me are the herbal medicinal plants that treat cancer and COVID. I wish the government can gazette more of such centers for school going children to learn from.” Says Joseph Ssentongo a pupil from Sacred Heart Jinja Karoli primary school. 

The children drew pictures of the animals and plants they had seen, wrote stories about their day, and shared their new knowledge with their friends and families. And in their hearts, they carried the lessons of this ever green environment, fostering a lifelong love and stewardship for the natural world.

Entebbe Botanical Gardens offered the right platform for children to learn about the importance of biodiversity conservation. By engaging with diverse plant species, exploring different ecosystems, and encountering wildlife in their natural habitats, participants would develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.

By fostering a deeper connection with nature by educating them about biodiversity, we hope to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders who will work tirelessly to protect our planet for generations to come, starting from their school and home environments to the rest of the world.