Itwara Forest is a central forest reserve located in Kyenjojo District, Western Uganda. It is a beautiful medium altitude moist semi-deciduous forest, covering a small area of about 87sq.kms. Itwara Forest Reserve supports up to 258 species of plants, and these comprise of tree composition of about 248.
Over 120 chimpanzees have also been recorded in Itwara Forest, 7 endemic species and 10 threatened species. At the border of Itwara, there are tea plantations and communities adjacent to it carryout subsistence farming.
Itwara like Matiri Forest Reserves are found within the Albertine Rift Region, Western Uganda. Matiri covers 64sq.kms of land area and both forest reserves are located in the densely populated areas. Conservation activities have been disrupted by local community practices and there is a joined initiative to promote red colobus monkeys in Matiri and Itwara Forests.
Location of Itwara Forest Reserve, Uganda
Itwara Forest is located in Kyenjojo, North of Kagura. From Kijura to Itwara Forest, it is 6kms and Kijura is one of the towns in Kabarole district, Western Uganda. This natural rainforest is found at altitude of 1313m and it is renowned for protection of the red colobus monkeys.
Itwara Forest is one of the natural forests that have been severely encroached and destroyed due to need for timber causing highest level of depletion. It falls on the list of most affected forests and the others include Matiri, Muzizi, Bugoma and Oruha Forest Reserves. These natural forests have been depleted by illegal timber dealers whose interest is just to earn quick money to support their families or pay loans.
The locals previously blamed the UPDF soldiers and the NFA officials for conniving with the illegal timber dealers leading to destruction of such an important asset. Itwara and Matiri Forests are found in an area where charcoal burning and illegal logging is rampant regardless of police/UPDF/NFA officials deployment.