Jane Goodall Institute Uganda

Jane Goodall Institute Uganda Plants 1,602,330 Trees to Celebrate Earth Day⁠ In Uganda, more than 50% of forest estate has been lost over the past 25 years (Diisi, 2017). According to the Ministry of Water and Environment Report (2015), Uganda lost 463,000 hectares of forests between 2010 and 2015, translating into an average annual loss of 92,600 hectares; and it is predicted that as early as 2050, the country will have no forests left (NEMA, 2010). ⁠ ⁠ The degradation continues despite forests playing a critical role both as habitats to Uganda’s unique biodiversity but also provisioning to meet various socio-economic needs that in turn sustain human development and ecosystem services. ⁠ ⁠ To address the above, JGI Uganda is today planting 1,602,330 trees to restore biodiversity and ecosystems; increase and protect habitat for other animals including chimpanzees – thus reducing human-wildlife conflict, raise awareness and mobilize communities to protect and conserve the environment and above all combat climate change. ⁠ ⁠ The tree planting exercise is being conducted in the Albertine Rift Region covering the districts of Masindi, Hoima, Kikuube and Kagadi. ⁠ From inception, JGI Uganda has grown over 5 million trees.⁠

On this Earth Day, we’re reminded of the deep connection between people, other animals, and the natural world we all share. 🌍⁠ ⁠ 🌳 In the forests of Gombe National Park, where Dr. Jane Goodall began her groundbreaking work, every leaf, every sound, every species is part of a living, breathing whole. It is a place that teaches us something essential. That no life exists in isolation. That even the smallest plant or animal has a role to play in the health of the ecosystem.⁠ ⁠ As species disappear, the balance begins to shift. The intricate tapestry of life starts to fray. And with it, the stability of the environments we all depend on. ⁠ But there is hope. 💚⁠ ⁠ Each of us has the power to make choices that protect and restore the natural world. Whether it is through the food we eat, the products we choose, or the causes we stand for, our actions matter.⁠ ⁠ This Earth Day, let’s honor the forests that sustain us and commit to protecting them for generations to come. 🌿⁠ ⁠ 🎥: Stephano Lihedule, Bill Wallauer⁠ ⁠ #EarthDay #JaneGoodall #Gombe #Conservation #Forests #Chimpanzees⁠

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda celebrated, the first ever ‘Jane Goodall Day' on April 3rd, 2026. The commemoration focused on honoring Dr. Jane Goodall and mobilizing members of the public to keep Jane’s legacy alive by taking action to protect and conserve the environment, other animals and all living things. They also aimed at increasing awareness on environmental conservation among pupils, community members and strengthening the Roots & Shoots club at Kigungu Primary School and Uganda as a whole. ⁠ ⁠ Ms. Rose Mary Namulumba, the Chief Guest and Inspector of Schools in Entebbe Municipality thanked JGI Uganda for partnering with schools and communities to protect and conserve the environment, “I commend JGI for having a dream that lives beyond the founder. Jane’s physical being is gone but her legacy lives here with us. I appreciate JGI for effectively engaging the children and nurturing a generation of future conservationists. I call upon all the children and everyone here to emulate Jane and do something that they will be remembered for, for generations to come.”⁠ ⁠ Mr. James Byamukama, the Executive Director JGI Uganda noted that, “This day presents a turning point, from broad ways to focusing on hope that is enshrined in the inter-connectedness of nature. Annual celebrations will keep her message of hope alive through inspiring actions, and demonstrating the harmonious connection between people, other animals and the environment we all share. As JGI, we declared to carry forward Janes legacy by promoting Janes Green Hope. To realize this, today we have planted part of the 35,000 trees launched during the 35th Anniversary Celebrations of the Roots & Shoots Program. With other projects, we will grow over 1.3 million trees this year in households, communities, buffer zones and protected areas.”⁠ ⁠ The commemoration featured clean-up of Kigungu market, planting of trees, awareness creation on environmental protection and conservation, and music dance and drama performances from learners (Roots & Shoots club members), community members, JGI Uganda staff, teachers and school Administrators.

The Annual Jane Goodall Day Celebrations have been confirmed for every April 3rd. It is meant to honour Dr. Jane Goodall and mobilize members of the public to keep Jane’s legacy alive by taking action to protect and conserve the environment, other animals and all living things. ⁠ ⁠ On this day, everyone, everywhere including youth and children are encouraged to do something that contributes towards making this world a better place for all of us including; planting tree’s, participate in community clean-ups, donate to a cause, choose plant-based meals, advocate for animal welfare, and share what Jane meant to them using #JaneGoodallDay on social media. Participants can take action in a way that matters to them, and these individual actions will inspire others to make their own impact and find hope.⁠ ⁠ #JaneGoodallDay #JaneGoodall #JaneGoodallInstitute #ThankYouJane #RememberingJane #HonoringJane #Legacy #Impact⁠

Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda celebrates 35th Anniversary of the Roots & Shoots programme. ⁠ Event focused on reflecting the progress made in the last 35 years; contribution made towards youth leadership and conservation; showcasing innovative Roots & Shoots actions championing environmental protection, education, and community resilience; and amplifying Dr. Jane Goodall’s Green Hope Legacy. ⁠ ⁠ Key milestones have been registered overtime; 204 clubs with over 12,000 active members have been registered in 20 districts, 46,348 tree seedlings planted, 3,527 girls reached - 1,179 empowered in sexual reproductive health, 401 provided with scholastic materials, 193 underwent peer mentoring and 1,754 empowered in making reusable sanitary pads; 78 women from 6 groups trained in tailoring and supported with 44 sewing and knitting machines, mentored and trained patrons, matrons (reached 50% in schools) and District Volunteer Coordinator (DVCs) from 21 districts to facilitate strengthening of youth leadership in environmental conservation. Globally in 2024, 1,745,000 young people took part in youth programs and10,000 active Roots &Shoots groups registered in 75+ countries now. ⁠ ⁠ During the celebrations, a campaign to plant 35,000 trees was launched, with every 1,000 trees representing a year of the existence of the programme. The campaign will be implemented in schools and every tree will be named after a child. ⁠ ⁠ #RootsandShoots35 #HopeInAction #ThankYouJane #rootsandshoots #Anniversary #Impact #YouthEmpowerment #Conservation #EnvironmentalProtection ⁠

CENSUS CONFIRMS PRESENCE OF 426 CHIMPANZEES IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK⁠ Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda is well known for its gorilla population. And now, we have confirmation that it is home to a significant chimpanzee population, with an estimated 426 chimpanzees distributed across the park 🐵⁠ ⁠ The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda just completed a landmark scientific census to better understand chimpanzee distribution in Bwindi, including providing the first comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of the species’ population, density, and spatial distribution within the park. Completed in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority, this new data matters because we now know that chimpanzees are an integral part of Bwindi's great ape population — so we are better positioned to strategically protect them.⁠ ⁠ “This census was undertaken to address critical knowledge gaps regarding chimpanzees in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park," explains James Byamukama, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda. “The establishment of a scientifically robust baseline on population size, density, and distribution will guide conservation planning, protected area management, and regional biodiversity strategies, while also supporting Uganda’s alignment with international conservation and climate commitments.”⁠ ⁠ As our founder, Jane Goodall, said: "Only if we understand, can we care." Equipped with this new evidence, we can better care for our fellow great apes and protect the planet that we all call home. ⁠ ⁠ 📷: Eric Guzzetta, David Omoding. The chimpanzees shown here were photographed in Uganda's Kibale National Park.⁠ ⁠ #ChimpanzeeCensus #Conservation #CommunityEmpowerment #SustainableTourism #Research #ScienceInAction⁠

It was a pleasure hosting Her Excellency, Dr. Katja Yvonne Kerschbaumer the Austrian Ambassador/Head of the Austrian Development Corporation in Uganda and Mrs. Diana Leizinger, Executive Director, Jane Goodall Institute Austria. The duo are conducting program support supervision and monitoring of four (4) conservation projects implemented by JGI Uganda in the Albertine Rift region - districts of Hoima, Masindi, Buliisa, Kagadi, Kikuube, Kasese and Moyo in the West Nile sub region.⁠ ⁠ The interventions visited include; Integrated Mechanisms for Protection and Adaptation to Climate Threats (IMPACT), Gender-Responsive Economic Enhancement and Natural Ecosystems Resilience (GREENER, Mutuba Tree Growing "Wrapping Nature in Culture" and the Girls Empowerment Program.⁠ ⁠ They interacted with project beneficiaries, implementers and partners to assess progress made – milestones registered, challenges encountered and how they can be addressed, lessons learned and best practices. The interventions have resulted in reforestation of the region, increased supply of safe and clean water hence reduction in human and wildlife conflict, adoption of efficient energy cooking stoves resulting to improved health and living conditions in communities, and economic empowerment and improved livelihoods for girls and women through education and engagement in income generating activities. ⁠ #Impact #Transformation #EnvironmentalProtection #Conservation #Co-existence #CommunityEmpowerment⁠

The Dr. Jane Goodall Green Hope Legacy Public Talk was held by the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda under the theme:⁠ ⁠ “Carrying Forward Jane’s Green Hope Legacy – Restoring Ecosystems for People, Planet, and Prosperity.”⁠ ⁠ A moment to celebrate Jane’s extraordinary life and global impact on conservation, science, and community empowerment—and to reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting the planet for people, animals, and all living things.⁠ ⁠ “Jane’s legacy is not confined to history books… it lives in every forest protected and restored… and every act of compassion toward any living being.” — Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (remarks read by the Acting Commissioner)⁠ ⁠ The talk also featured the launch of the Uganda Tourism Board Women CEOs Chimpanzee Conservation Trek, celebrating women’s leadership in conservation and sustainable tourism.⁠ ⁠ #JaneGoodall #GreenHope #Uganda #Conservation #WomenInConservation #RootsAndShoots⁠

THANKSGIVING SERVICE HELD IN HONOR OF DR. JANE GOODALL⁠ Following Dr. Jane Goodall’s passing, a Thanksgiving Service was held at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala (Uganda) to honor her life, legacy, and the extraordinary impact she created in promoting environmental protection, conservation, and the wellbeing of all living things—including wildlife and the planet we all share.⁠ ⁠ “We are gathered here, in memory of our dear friend and great conservationist… Her legacy will live with us forever.” — Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni (remarks read by Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka)⁠ ⁠ “We celebrate Jane’s life and impact… We commit to take the green legacy ahead through championing advocacy for green policy change, strengthening and growing Roots & Shoots… and supporting the resilience of nature through our restoration and livelihood programs.” — Mr. James Byamukama, Executive Director, JGI Uganda⁠ ⁠ The service was led by Rev. Misuseera Mukaddeayigga and attended by representatives from the diplomatic community, government, civil society, the private sector, media, and members of the public.⁠ ⁠ #JaneGoodall #Legacy #GreenHope #Uganda #Conservation #RootsAndShoots #Sustainability #CommunityEmpowerment #CelebratingLife #ThanksGiving⁠ ⁠ Uganda Wildlife Authority National Forest Authority Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities Uganda Wildlife Education Centre ⁠

X-mas is a season of God’s great love for humanity, as we witnessed when you stood with us, following the loss of our Founder & UN Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall DBE.⁠ ⁠ Together we look forward to 2026, to continue inspiring hope through action, and make this world a better place for all living beings – people, other animals, and the environment we all share. This mission requires your continued support!⁠ ⁠ We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026⁠ ⁠ #JaneGoodall #Legacy #GreenHope #Uganda #Conservation #RootsAndShoots #Sustainability #CommunityEmpowerment⁠

Dr. Jane Goodall, Green Hope Legacy Book Launched⁠ ⁠ Recently, in Uganda, Jane’s Green Hope – Legacy Book was launched to honor Dr. Jane Goodall—her life, her legacy, and her contribution to environmental protection, conservation, and the wellbeing of all living things, including animals and the planet we all share.⁠ ⁠ This was a moment to reflect on Jane’s life journey—what she achieved, the sacrifices she made, and the work she inspired. The task now is to pick up where she left off and carry those efforts forward.⁠ ⁠ “Her empathy extended beyond species, her legacy is immense… it will transcend generations.” — Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer⁠ ⁠ “We are here to commemorate the life well lived and legacy of Jane ‘the Green Hope’… creating harmony with each other, the environment, and other living things—animals.” — James Byamukama⁠ ⁠ She planted a tree, and the roots are firm in the ground. She is transitioning from life into a legacy.⁠ ⁠ Green Hope – Legacy Books are available for public tributes at: Sheraton Hotel, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, JGI Head Office, and Field Office.⁠ ⁠ #JaneGoodall #Legacy #GreenHope #Uganda #Conservation #RootsAndShoots #Sustainability #CommunityEmpowerment⁠

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda informs members of the public that they will hold a Thanksgiving Memorial Service in Honor of Dr. Jane Goodall on Tuesday, 14th October 2025, at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, Kampala, from 9:00 to 11:00 am. Friends, Civil Society Organizations, development partners, and members of the public are invited. There will be ‘No Laying of Wreath’.