About BMCT
Protecting biodiversity while improving the livelihoods of communities around Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Who We Are
Community-Led Conservation Since 1994
Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust (BMCT) was established in 1994 as an endowment fund dedicated to supporting the conservation of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
The Trust was formed through a partnership between the Government of Uganda, the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) through the World Bank, and the Trust Management Board. BMCT works closely with communities, conservation partners, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority to improve livelihoods while protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable conservation in the region.
Over the years, BMCT has supported community livelihood projects, conservation research, education, human-wildlife conflict management, and sustainable development initiatives aimed at improving the wellbeing of communities living around the protected areas. BMCT works closely with communities, conservation partners, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority to improve livelihoods while protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable conservation in the region.
Our Story
Conservation Needed a More Inclusive Approach
Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks were established in 1991 to protect some of the world’s most important biodiversity, including endangered mountain gorillas. While conservation strengthened protection of these ecosystems, surrounding communities lost access to forest resources they had depended on for generations.
Many families relied on the forests for grazing, firewood, medicinal plants, basket weaving materials, hunting, and small-scale farming activities. Restricting access created tension between conservation authorities and local communities, increasing illegal resource use and human-wildlife conflict.
In response, Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust (BMCT) was established in 1994 to bridge conservation and community development by supporting sustainable livelihoods, environmental stewardship, research, and long-term partnerships with park edge communities.
“Protecting biodiversity and improving livelihoods must go hand in hand.”
The BMCT Conservation Approach
Our Impact
Transforming Conservation Through Community Partnerships
Our Approach
The CODAB Model
Building Conservation Through Sustainable Livelihoods
BMCT implements a Conservation, Development and Business (CODAB) model that integrates biodiversity conservation with sustainable community development. Through this approach, communities surrounding Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks are supported to establish nature-friendly enterprises, strengthen local partnerships, improve market access, and build resilient livelihoods that reduce pressure on protected ecosystems.
The CODAB model is built on four pillars: group formation, business development services, partnerships, and market linkages/value addition. BMCT supports community groups through training, enterprise development, participatory planning, and value chain improvement to strengthen long-term conservation outcomes and household wellbeing.
Governance
Governance & Strategic Partnerships
BMCT is governed by a Board of Trustees that provides strategic oversight, policy guidance, and accountability for the Trust’s conservation and community development programmes. The Trust was established through a partnership between the Government of Uganda, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the World Bank, and the Trust Management Board.
BMCT continues to work closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), local governments, conservation partners, research institutions, and surrounding communities to strengthen biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods around Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks.
Through collaborative planning, community participation, and accountable grant management, BMCT promotes long-term conservation solutions that balance environmental protection with community wellbeing.
Leadership & Team
Meet the BMCT Team
Chief Executive Officer
Wilberforce Tumwesigye is a senior natural resources management professional with over 20 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, institutional development, community-based natural resource management, and sustainable livelihoods across Uganda. Since 2022, he has served as Chief Executive Officer of Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Trust (BMCT), providing strategic leadership and strengthening institutional systems to support effective conservation and community development programmes.
Before joining BMCT, he worked with several national and international organizations including the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), CARE International, ECOTRUST, and USAID-supported programmes, where he led initiatives focused on forest restoration, local governance, participatory conservation, and institutional capacity development.
He holds an Advanced Master of Science in Governance and Development from the University of Antwerp in Belgium, a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management, and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Makerere University. His expertise spans strategic planning, impact assessment, forest landscape restoration, monitoring and evaluation, and collaborative conservation approaches.
BMCT is supported by a multidisciplinary team of conservation professionals, programme officers, community engagement specialists, finance and administration staff, and field teams working together to strengthen conservation and improve community livelihoods.
Apollo Kugonza
Head of Programmes
Eunice
Projects Coordinator
Claire
Community Engagement
Allan
Transport & Logistics Officer
Martin
Accounts Manager
Agatha
Admin Officer
Join Us in Protecting Biodiversity and Supporting Communities
BMCT continues to work with communities, conservation partners, researchers, and development organizations to protect the unique ecosystems surrounding Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks while improving sustainable livelihoods for future generations.