What are the opening hours?

Monday 09:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00 Thursday 09:00 - 17:00 Friday 09:00 - 17:00

Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, Kampala (2026)

29/04/2026

Jane Goodall Institute Uganda Plants 1,602,330 Trees to Celebrate Earth Day
“Worldwide forest cover shrinks at an average of 4.7 million hectares per year. Throughout 2015 – 2020, 10 million hectares of trees were removed from forests around the world annually, and only 5 million planted each year throughout the same period,” according to Earthday.org

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.

The gross destruction is driven by high agricultural expansion; high demand and use of charcoal/firewood as primary energy sources; infrastructure development; urban expansion, large-scale energy developments as well as illegal activities in protected forests (e.g. illegal and unregulated timber harvesting and trade) and climate change among others.

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.

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22, as a global event dedicated to environmental protection and awareness. The 2026 theme is "Our Power, Our Planet," focusing on empowering individuals and communities to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and protect the environment while demanding accountability for clean air, water, and energy.

Environmental Protection

27/04/2026

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

09/04/2026

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda celebrated, the first ever ‘Jane Goodall Day.’ 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.

April 3rd, previously celebrated as Dr. Jane Goodall’s birthday, following her passing, the day has been declared 'Jane Goodall Day', commemorated annually by all JGI Chapters and people across the world. On this day, everyone, including youth and children are encouraged to do something that contributes towards making the world a better place for all of us. This includes, planting tree’s, participating in community clean-ups, donating to a cause, choosing plant-based meals, advocating for animal welfare, and sharing what Jane meant to them using on social media.

31/03/2026

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 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.

Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, inspired millions of people throughout her remarkable lifetime to conserve and protect the environment through her message of ‘inspiring hope through action’ — a message that resonates more than ever as climate change and biodiversity issues intensify.

16/03/2026

Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) Uganda celebrates the 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.

Mr. Ronald Dungu, Chief Guest and Principal Education Officer at the Ministry of Education and Sports who represented the Permanent Secretary thanked JGI Uganda for inviting and involving the Ministry in their work. “We appreciate JGI for the effort and great work done in greening our environment. I welcome your idea of greening schools - learners should be part and parcel of the programmes to restore environment. We encourage planting of shade and fruit trees to improve nutrition, and boundary trees to protect school land.”

Mr. James Byamukama, Executive Director JGI Uganda expressed that, “We are celebrating successes and transformation that have accrued from the programme both in Uganda and globally. It has immensely awakened the youth to act and address societal and environmental challenges facing them through identifying problems, finding solutions through innovation and impacting their societies. It has inspired youth to act and make the world a better place for people, animals and environment.”

To date, 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.

26/02/2026

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.

17/02/2026

Austrian Ambassador and Executive Director, Jane Goodall Institute Austria hold Program Support Supervision and Monitoring Visit to Uganda

The Jane Goodall Institute Uganda is honored to host 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) environmental protection and 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) which aims at building resilience of both communities of river Nkusi catchment and the ecosystems they depend on, to the negative impact of climate change; Gender-Responsive Economic Enhancement and Natural Ecosystems Resilience (GREENER) – focused on increasing social and ecological resilience to climate vulnerability in targeted ‘hotspots’ of the Albertine Rift region; Mutuba Tree Growing "Wrapping Nature in Culture" aims at protecting critical chimpanzee corridor forests by integrating the Mutuba tree's cultural and economic value with its ecological benefits; and the Girls Empowerment Program geared at improving resilience of communities through empowering women and girls.

During the visit, 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.
-existence

13/02/2026

The Jane Goodall Institute Uganda held the Dr. Jane Goodall Green Hope
Legacy Public Talk under the theme: “Carrying Forward Jane’s Green Hope Legacy – Restoring Ecosystems for People, Planet, and Prosperity.”

The talk celebrated Jane’s extraordinary life and global impact on conservation, science, and community empowerment. It was also a moment to honor her contributions, explore ways to sustain her vision in Uganda and beyond, and reaffirm our shared commitment to protecting the planet—for the benefit of people, animals, and all living things.

“Jane’s legacy is not confined to history books or memorial events… Her legacy lives in this room today.” — remarks from the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (read by the Acting Commissioner of Tourism and Wildlife Conservation)

The event also included the launch of the Uganda Tourism Board Women CEOs Chimpanzee Conservation Trek, celebrating women’s leadership in conservation and sustainable tourism.

07/01/2026

THANKSGIVING SERVICE HELD IN HONOR OF DR. JANE GOODALL
Following the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, a Thanksgiving Service was held at All Saints Cathedral, Kampala (Uganda) to honor her life, legacy, and the extraordinary impact she created around the world in promoting environmental protection, conservation, and the wellbeing of all living things—including wildlife and the planet we all share.

In remarks from the Chief Guest, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, Minister of Education and Sports and First Lady—read by Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities—she said:
“We are gathered here, in memory of our dear friend and great conservationist, Dr. Jane Goodall, who touched and inspired multitudes of people across the world… Her legacy will live with us forever because of the great work she did, and impact created in Uganda and globally.”

She also highlighted contributions supported through the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, including education for girls and youth, progress in chimpanzee conservation and tourism, community water access, and livelihood improvements.

Mr. James Byamukama, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, reaffirmed a commitment to carry Jane’s green legacy forward through policy advocacy, strengthening Roots & Shoots (now over 210 clubs with over 10,000 members), and advancing restoration and livelihood programs (over 5 million trees planted and grown to date, restoring over 54 sq kms of the Budongo–Bugoma corridor, with over 4 million more planned in the next three years).

The service was led by Rev. Misuseera Mukaddeayigga and was attended by dignitaries including representatives from the diplomatic community, government, civil society, the private sector, media, and members of the public.

Uganda Wildlife Authority National Forest Authority Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities Uganda Wildlife Education Centre

26/12/2025

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

Jane Goodall Institute Uganda

29/04/2026

27/04/2026

09/04/2026

31/03/2026

16/03/2026

26/02/2026

17/02/2026

13/02/2026

07/01/2026

26/12/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00