Tooro Botanical Gardens

Tooro Botanical Gardens (TBG) is Uganda's living museum, where biodiversity is studied, treasured, and protected. TBG, established in 2001 as a center of excellence in plant study, conservation, education, and recreation, is distinguished by the beauty of its diverse terrain, enormous collections and gardens, and the extent and excellence of its multidisciplinary displays and events. It is based in Fort Portal City, western Uganda.

The Tooro Botanical Garden has a gently sloping topography, with the maximum elevation being 1500m (4900ft) above sea level. It receives 1400mm of rain annually and maintains an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius all year.

The Albertine Rift has seen a lot of degradation, and one of the locations is Buhoiga Central Forest Reserve in Fort Portal, which was transformed into an eucalyptus plantation.

In 1979, the forest was cleared and converted into pasture land. TBG leased 100 acres of the reserve from the National Forestry Authority in 2001. Since then, TBG has begun the restoration of botanical resources, with 70% planted with indigenous trees and 30% with other garden collections.

TBG operates one of Uganda's largest indigenous tree nurseries. The species-rich woodland arboretum and restoration plots are home to over 116 native tree species as well as countless additional plant species.

There are three restoration plots set up with the goal of protecting endangered and heavily used species, propagating procedures (research), and a nursery to provide indigenous species. According to TBG, as a result of restoration, tree species grew from 17 in 2005 to over 116, and bird species increased from 34 to over 113 in 2019.