Environmental Group Races to Save Kitubulu Forest from Proposed Commercial Development
ENTEBBE – A conservation battle is brewing in Entebbe as the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Development Forum (GKMDF) raises the alarm over a proposed plan to allocate the protected Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve for a major commercial development project.
In a press release dated October 20, 2025, the forum revealed it is “alarmed by the proposed allocation” of the forest to the Chinese Tian Tang Group. The investor plans to construct a five-star hotel, shopping mall, and convention center on the site, a move the GKMDF warns “poses a significant threat to the environmental and ecological integrity of the area.”
The Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve, established in 1932, is a vital remnant of the lowland woods surrounding Lake Victoria. It is officially recognized as a Category IV protected area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlighting its critical role in preserving biological diversity and protecting the local ecosystem.
The GKMDF has taken a firm stance against the proposal, urging the government to prioritize environmental conservation. The group emphasizes that the forest provides essential benefits, including climate regulation, water conservation, and biodiversity preservation, which are crucial for the community and the nation.
The forum has issued a call to action, appealing to the government to reconsider the development, urging the National Forestry Authority to uphold its mandate to manage forest reserves sustainably, and calling on the local community and all stakeholders to join the effort to protect the reserve.
The statement also commended the efforts of local leaders, including Entebbe Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda, for their dedication to restoring and preserving the forest environment. The situation presents a critical test for balancing economic development with the preservation of Uganda’s natural heritage.
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