On September 24, 2025, the usually tranquil hills surrounding Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park pulsed with energy and hope as local communities rallied for World Gorilla Day. The event, organized by the grassroots group Change a Life Bwindi, was more than just a celebration—it was a testament to the extraordinary power of community-driven conservation and a clarion call to protect the critically endangered mountain gorilla and their fragile forest home.
This year’s theme, “Community Responsibility Towards Conservation of Mountain Gorillas and Ending Plastic Use,” set an ambitious tone. The day’s activities unfolded in the Ruhija tracking sector of Mpungu sub-county, Kanungu district, drawing together a remarkable coalition of partners: the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Agandi Lodges, Asilia Africa, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Max Planck Institute, Ecosia, Kabale University, and the Kanungu District Local Government, among others.
From the outset, the focus was clear: conservation begins at home. Christine Katushabe, the passionate founder of Change a Life Bwindi, spoke candidly about the need for local ownership. As she put it, “The protection of African forests should be done by Africans. The future of our forests is in our hands.” Her words echoed throughout the day’s events, emphasizing that indigenous knowledge and community leadership are the linchpins of lasting environmental stewardship.
That message wasn’t just talk. Volunteers—young and old, from the Batwa, Bakiga, Rwandese, and Bafumbira communities—rolled up their sleeves for a massive environmental clean-up. Plastic waste, a growing scourge even in these remote forests, was collected and loaded onto trucks, setting a visible example of what collective action can achieve. Next, the group turned to reforestation, planting 2,000 indigenous trees representing 50 native species. By the end of the day, 65 acres of land—out of a target of 100—had been restored, a tangible step toward rebuilding the ecosystem that sustains both gorillas and people.
Katushabe was especially keen to involve children and youth, noting, “We want to mentor each child so that when they grow up, they appreciate and take on the role of conservation in their communities.” This youth-focused approach, she argued, is key to ensuring that today’s efforts don’t become tomorrow’s forgotten promises.
But the story of Bwindi’s gorillas isn’t just about trees and trash—it’s about transformation. According to Devdiscourse, the park’s unique approach to conservation has turned former poachers into protectors. Tourists, drawn by the chance to glimpse mountain gorillas in the wild, pay a hefty USD 800 for permits. Crucially, a portion of these fees is channeled back to local communities, funding vital projects like water provision and healthcare. This economic incentive has helped shift attitudes and livelihoods. Reformed poachers such as Philemon Mujuni now serve as community watchdogs, fiercely guarding the very animals they once hunted. Their efforts, combined with those of conservationists and ordinary citizens, have led to a remarkable recovery: the mountain gorilla population now exceeds 1,000 individuals, a dramatic comeback from the brink of extinction.
Dr. James Musinguzi, Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, underscored the economic and ecological significance of these efforts. “Seventy percent of tourism revenue in Uganda comes from gorillas,” he revealed, highlighting just how central these animals are to the nation’s prosperity. Musinguzi also announced an ambitious new initiative: in partnership with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and telecom companies, UWA will install 69 telecom masts in and around protected areas. The goal? To boost connectivity and improve the visitor experience, making it easier for tourists to share their adventures—and for rangers to coordinate their work.
Juliana Kagwa, CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, offered more numbers that tell the story of a sector in recovery. “Last year (2024), Bwindi-Mgahinga attracted 50,726 tourists, up from 48,568 in 2023 and 38,105 in 2022,” she said. The upward trend is more than just a statistic; it’s a sign that eco-tourism is helping Uganda bounce back after the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Kagwa noted that tourism contributed 6.6% to Uganda’s GDP last year and directly supported over 803,000 jobs—a lifeline for countless families, especially in rural areas.
World Gorilla Day wasn’t just about speeches and statistics. The event featured youth sports competitions, public awareness campaigns, the installation of new waste bins, educational exhibitions, and an ongoing gorilla population census. These integrated activities, according to UWA and local partners, are designed to foster a sense of shared responsibility and to keep conservation at the forefront of community life.
One of the most striking aspects of the day was its inclusiveness. Representatives from all the region’s major ethnic groups worked side by side, united by a common purpose. This spirit of collaboration is crucial, given the complex challenges facing both gorillas and people. With more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas living in Bwindi, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As BBC and other outlets have reported, the forest is one of the last strongholds for this iconic species, and its fate is inextricably linked to the well-being of those who live on its edge.
The celebration also spotlighted the broader benefits of conservation. By returning a portion of tourism revenue to local communities, Uganda has created a powerful incentive for people to protect—not poach—wildlife. Projects funded by these revenues, such as clean water systems and health clinics, improve daily life and help build trust between park authorities and villagers. As Devdiscourse described, the transformation of individuals like Philemon Mujuni from poachers to protectors is emblematic of a wider shift in attitudes, one that could serve as a model for other conservation hotspots around the globe.
Of course, challenges remain. The threat of plastic pollution, the need for continued reforestation, and the ever-present risk of human-wildlife conflict all demand ongoing vigilance. But if the events of World Gorilla Day are any indication, the people of Bwindi are more than up to the task. With support from government agencies, international partners, and the tourism industry, they are charting a path toward a future where both gorillas and humans can thrive.
As the sun set on Bwindi, the forests echoed with the sounds of celebration—and determination. The day’s efforts, from collecting plastic to mentoring the next generation, served as a vivid reminder that the fate of the mountain gorilla is not just a matter for scientists or tourists, but for everyone who calls these hills home. And if the past is any guide, the future for Bwindi’s gorillas—and its people—looks just a bit brighter.
