Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetratable Forest Conservation Trust established in 1994 to support long-term biodiversity conservation of mountain gorillas and the impenetrable forest has benefited over 700 Batwa children in the districts of Kisoro, Kabale and Kanungu.
The Trust administrator, Mr Geoz Dutki, says the disadvantaged group of Batwa has gained a lot from affirmative action that has assisted them to acquire land, start income generate projects and educating their children.
Established with a capital endowment of $4.3 million, the trust has invested over $5 million in transforming the lives of the Batwa people.
“Community development programmes have contributed to improving livelihoods and reducing dependency of the Batwa on harvesting forest resources such as timber poles and meat from wild life,We are trying to improve their lives and to sensitise them about the importance of the environment,†Dutki said.
He said the trust purchased 400 acres of land and has distributed about two acres to each family on top of paying fees to two Batwa girls; the first to go to secondary school in the community.
By Kisibo Jackie
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