Buhoma, Uganda

Buhoma is a village in Kanungu District, Western Region, Uganda. It lies at the northern entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a site known for its mountain gorillas.

History

Buhoma is inhabited by the Batwa people, hunter-gatherers. Anthropologists estimate Batwa presence in the region for over 60,000 years.[1] In 1991, the Ugandan government officially designated the forest as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. There was no effort to obtain the consent of the Twa people for this conservation effort.[2] Two years later, in 1993, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) began organized gorilla tracking in Buhoma after habituating the first gorilla family for tourism. This marked the start of structured wildlife tourism in the area.[3] Basic tourist facilities were established, including the Buhoma Community Rest Camp. Over time, additional gorilla groups were habituated, and more accommodation options, such as lodges and camps, were developed.[3]

Roads

In 2024, poor road conditions near Buhoma were reported to affect tourism by making travel more difficult and increasing the risk of accidents.[4] In 2025, a tourist was killed and five others injured when a vehicle returning from gorilla tracking in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park rolled off the road at Munyanga Bridge on the border of Buhoma and Butogota.[5] Local government officials have criticized the Ugandan government for the condition of the roads.[6][7]

People and culture

Buhoma is home to Bakiga and Batwa communities. Local groups advocate for Batwa land rights and women’s empowerment.[8] Activist Sylvia Kokunda described these efforts in a 2021 interview with Minority Rights Group International.[9] A Guardian photo essay the same year documented Batwa life near Buhoma.[2] The Batwa people now participate in the tourism economy.[10]

Economy and environment

The growth of gorilla tourism led to increased economic activity.[11] Local residents became involved in guiding, hospitality, crafts, and related services. Infrastructure, including health and education facilities, also expanded.[3] Tourism strains waste management systems. Research by Kabale University in 2024 found inadequate disposal facilities in Buhoma's tourism area.[12] Some scholars have argued that the community-based tourism model hasb been a success.[13] Some Batwa have produced handcrafted baskets that are sold internationally to provide income.[14]

References

  1. ^ Makanga, Samuel (2022-10-04). "Batwa Experience in Uganda | Uganda Batwa Pygmies of Bwindi National Park". Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  2. ^ a b Burke, Jason (2021-05-24). "At home with the Batwa people of Uganda – a photo essay". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  3. ^ a b c "Buhoma–Bwindi Gorilla City: A township thriving on tourism". Monitor. 2021-01-05. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  4. ^ Kagoro, Joshua. "Roads of Neglect: How Poor Infrastructure is Eating Up Tourism Revenue". Nilepost News. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  5. ^ Independent, The (2025-01-28). "Kanungu car accident claims life of American tourist". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  6. ^ Nsimenta, Bridget. "Kanungu Leaders Demand Urgent Road Repairs Following Tourist's Tragic Death". Nilepost News. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  7. ^ "Kanungu residents protest poor state of tourism roads". Monitor. 2025-05-02. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
  8. ^ Swart, Magdalena Petronella (Nellie); Cai, Wenjie; Yang, Elaine Chiao Ling; Kimbu, Albert Nsom (2024-02-20). Routledge Handbook on Gender in Tourism: Views on Teaching, Research and Praxis. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-003-85262-9.
  9. ^ "Determined to liberate myself: An interview with Sylvia Kokunda". Minority Rights. 2024-09-24.
  10. ^ Banbury, Catherine; Herkenhoff, Linda; Subrahmanyan, Saroja (2015-06-01). "Understanding Different Types of Subsistence Economies: The Case of the Batwa of Buhoma, Uganda". Journal of Macromarketing. 35 (2): 243–256. doi:10.1177/0276146714528954. ISSN 0276-1467.
  11. ^ Ahebwa, W. M.; Duim, V. R. van der (2013). "Conservation, livelihoods and tourism: A case study of the Buhoma-Mukono Community-based Tourism Project in Uganda". Journal of Park and Recreation Administration. 31 (3): 96–114. ISSN 0735-1968.
  12. ^ Tugume, Joyleen (2024). Assessment of the Management of Plastic Wastes in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A Case Study of Buhoma Tourism Sector (Thesis). Kabale University. hdl:20.500.12493/2730.
  13. ^ Manyisa Ahebwa, Wilber; van der Duim, René (2013-09-01). "Conservation, Livelihoods, and Tourism: A Case Study of the Buhoma-Mukono Community-Based Tourism Project in Uganda". Journal of Park & Recreation Administration. 31 (3): 96. ISSN 0735-1968.
  14. ^ "Handmade baskets help Ugandan villagers displaced from home". PBS News. 2016-09-08. Retrieved 2025-10-29.
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