Sustainability assessment of Uganda’s Mabira, Budongo, and Kibale forest reserves

This study assesses the sustainability of Uganda’s Mabira Central Forest Reserve (CFR), Budongo CFR, and Kibale National Park Forest (NPF) using the Rapid Appraisal for Forest Sustainability (RAPFOS) methodology, an adaptation of the Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries (RAPFISH). The ecological, economic, social, and institutional dimensions of the three forests were assessed to determine their sustainability status. Data from academic literature, institutional reports, and government documents from credible sources were analysed, and sustainability scores were visualized through kite diagrams, leverage plots, and Monte Carlo simulations. Results showed Kibale NPF is highly sustainable as all its sustainability scores were in the range of 76–100 percent in institutional, social, ecological, and economic dimensions. Budongo and Mabira displayed moderate sustainability with all their sustainability scores in the range of 51–75 percent in all the four dimensions. Findings indicate that ecological sustainability is influenced by invasive species and carbon sequestration, economic sustainability is driven by ecotourism and forest product income, social sustainability depends on equitable resource access and livelihood benefits, and institutional sustainability relates to funding and stakeholder collaboration. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions focusing on the improvement of these influential attributes to ensure high sustainability of these forest reserves. Government policies and stakeholder action should target the enhancement of biodiversity conservation, sustainable economic activities, and improved governance. This research supports the Sustainable Development Goal 15, promoting the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including forests.