Nature Conservation Journey-Birth of Kigezi birding Club

My First Birding Experience and the Birth of Kigezi Birding Club

It all began at Bwindi Heritage, nestled near the misty edges of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. I had no binoculars of my own, but thanks to the generosity of a lodge manager, I borrowed a pair and ventured into the forest with a heart full of wonder. That day, I wasn’t just watching birds—I was discovering a new way of seeing the world.

The forest was alive with color and sound. Every flutter of wings, every call from the canopy, felt like a secret being whispered just to me. I didn’t know it then, but that moment planted the seed for something much bigger.

Years earlier, I sat in an Entrepreneurship lecture room, brainstorming ideas with classmates. I remember my lecturer’s words vividly: “Transcript papers won’t take you anywhere until you’ve completed something that proves your worth.” At the time, it felt like a challenge. Now, I see it as a prophecy.

That first birding experience became the foundation for the Kigezi Birding Club—a community built not just on ornithology, but on passion, purpose, and the belief that nature can inspire change. We started small, but with every outing, every shared sighting, and every new member, the vision grew.

From City Hustle to Forest Wisdom-My Journey into Nature Guiding

After spending a long stretch in the city chasing job opportunities that never materialized, I reached a breaking point. I packed my bag, said goodbye to the concrete chaos, and whispered “to hell with city life.” I headed deep into the village, hoping for peace—but what I found was a new kind of struggle.

Life in the village was no walk in the park. Survival became a daily challenge, and every idea I had seemed to require money I didn’t have. I knew I needed to do something—anything—to break the cycle. So, I turned to volunteering. But even that wasn’t easy. Most places were already staffed, and opportunities were scarce.

Then came a stroke of luck.

I landed a volunteer spot at a high-end accommodation facility owned by a major travel company, tucked right inside the park. It was more than just a place to stay—it was a gateway to transformation.

I set three clear goals for myself, Network with professionals and travellers who could open new doors, having gained exposure to international tourists and learning from their perspectives. Access the park was so freely, so I could immerse myself in nature and build hands-on experience as a guide.

I gained courage in forest where I balanced Hospitality and Nature Guiding

There were days I’d sit quietly, thinking outside the box, trying to figure out how to reach my goals in the middle of one of the toughest chapters of my life. I was volunteering at a lodge tucked inside the park, juggling hotelier duties while dreaming of becoming a nature guide. But the path forward wasn’t clear.

One day, I decided to take a risk. I approached the manager— unsure how he’d react—and shared my deep love for nature guiding. I feared he might end my volunteer position. But to my surprise, he didn’t just accept it—he embraced it.

He told me he loved the idea and wished he could join me, but his responsibilities kept him tied up. Still, he made space for me. He arranged 30 minutes each day for me to explore the park, observe wildlife, and build my guiding skills. It wasn’t easy—balancing hospitality work with field experience—but it was the beginning of something extraordinary.

Those short daily sessions became my training ground. I learned to read the forest, listen to the birds, and connect with nature in a way that no classroom could teach. It was a small window of time, but it opened a world of possibility.

From Solo Trails to Community Impact thus the Rise of Kigezi Birding Club

As my birding journey evolved, I began exploring self-guided trails, immersing myself in the ecosystems where birds thrive. I was fortunate to befriend a park ranger whose daily routine was rooted in the forest. His deep knowledge of nature became a guiding light for me, strengthening my morale and sharpening my bird identification skills.

Eventually, I ventured into the forest alone, armed only with the Birds of East Africa guidebook. I’d spot birds, compare their features and behaviours with the illustrations, and record my sightings on a checklist. Each outing deepened my connection to the wild and built my confidence as a nature guide.

But I didn’t want this journey to be mine alone.

We began mobilizing a group of idle youth in the region—many of whom had never considered birding as a meaningful pursuit. Convincing them wasn’t easy. Birdwatching seemed foreign, even dull, to some. But slowly, through shared experiences and storytelling, we planted the seeds of curiosity.

That’s how the Kigezi Birding Club was born—named after our beloved region, and built on the belief that nature can be both a sanctuary and a source of livelihood.

Our mission is to create a Win-Win approach for Nature and Community

Today, our goal is simple but powerful: Create a sustainable, win-win model where both people and nature thrive.

• 🧭 We earn through tourism activities like guided bird walks, nature interpretation, and cultural storytelling.
• 🐾 Tourists gain authentic, first-hand experiences without disturbing the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
• 🌱 Nature benefits from increased awareness, protection, and responsible engagement.

Uganda is More Than Gorillas—A Birding Paradise Awaits

While Uganda is globally celebrated as a gorilla destination, we proudly affirm that she is also a birding haven, home to over 1,060 bird species. For keen birders, Uganda offers unmatched diversity and rare sightings that can elevate any birdlife checklist.

Take Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a prime example. This forest sanctuary hosts 23 localized bird species and 14 species found nowhere else on Earth. It’s a living museum of avian biodiversity, and we strongly encourage birding enthusiasts to explore Uganda’s rich ecosystems.

At Kigezi Birding Club, our mission is to empower through conservation especially the young generation to recognize and utilize the tourism resources around them. We train aspiring birders and nature guides, helping them build skills that can lead to sustainable livelihoods.

Despite facing challenges—particularly the lack of adequate birdwatching equipment—we remain hopeful and determined. We believe that with time, support, and persistence, we will achieve great things.

🌱 Our Conservation Priorities:

• Tree Planting: We plant fruit-bearing and native trees in schools and homesteads of interested community members to create bird-friendly habitats.
• Environmental Awareness: Through education and outreach, we foster a culture of conservation and appreciation for Uganda’s natural heritage.
• Sustainable Tourism: We aim to create a win-win model where local communities benefit economically while tourists enjoy authentic, low-impact experiences.

Empowering Youth Through Birding-A Call for Support

Today, we’re seeing a growing interest from well-wishers who believe in the potential of native communities. Many are stepping forward, offering donations of birdwatching equipment to help us nurture skills and create opportunities for local youth.

At Kigezi Birding Club, even a single donation can make a profound impact. With proper gear—binoculars, field guides, cameras—unemployed youth around the conservation area gain access to training, hands-on experience, and a pathway to sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism.

🎯 Why It Matters:

• Skill Development: Youth learn bird identification, guiding techniques, and conservation practices.
• Economic Empowerment: Tourism activities generate income and reduce dependency.
• Environmental Stewardship: With more trained eyes in the field, our ecosystems are better protected.

We believe that when nature thrives, communities thrive. And with every piece of equipment donated, we move one step closer to a future where conservation and opportunity go hand in hand.