Department of Environment and Natural Resources

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    The successional pathway of the tree community and how it shapes the fruit-feeding butterfly community in an Afrotropical forest
    (Cambridge University, 2016-10-29) Valtonen, A; Malinga, G.M; Nyafwono, M; Nyeko, P.; Owiny, A.; & Roininen, H.
    The relative importance of different bottom-up-mediated effects in shaping insect communities in tropical secondaryforestsarepoorlyunderstood.Here,weexploretherolesofvegetationstructure,forestage,localtopography (valley vs. hill top) and soil variables in predicting fruit-feeding butterfly and tree community composition, and tree community composition in predicting fruit-feeding butterfly community composition, in different-aged naturally regeneratingandprimaryforestsofKibaleNationalPark,Uganda.Wealsoexaminewhichvariablesarebestpredictors of fruit-feeding butterfly species richness or diversity. Butterflies (88 species) were sampled with a banana-baited trap and trees (98 taxa) with a 40 × 20-m sampling plot at 80 sampling sites. The environmental variables explained 31% of the variation in the tree community composition, the best predictors being local topography, forest age and cover of Acanthuspubescens (a shrub possibly arresting succession). The fruit-feeding butterfly community composition was better predicted by tree community composition (explaining 10% of the variation) rather than vegetation structure, local topography or soil factors. Environmental variables and tree species richness (or diversity) were poor predictors of butterfly species richness (or diversity). Our results emphasize the importance of tree community to recovery of herbivorous insect communities in tropical secondary forests.
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    Diversity and Nutritional Values of Wild Fruits of Acholi Sub region, Northern Uganda
    (IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 2016-11) Loki, Robert B. O.; Ndyomugyenyi, Elly. K.
    A study was conducted in the districts of Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Amuru to establish the diversity and nutritional value of Wild Fruits (WF) for human consumption. Epistemology of consumption of the wild fruit plant species was also assessed. A total of 206 respondents, which included formerly abducted children (FAC) and district officials were used for the study in two sub-counties from each district. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, observations and focus group discussions. Secondary sources of data were also reviewed. Most respondents who had knowledge, collected and consumed wild fruits were adults between 40-49 years and had little formal education. Fifty-one wild food plants species belonging to 35 families were recorded and 48% of the forest habitat was richest in wild fruit plant (WFP) species and water presented the least number (2%) of WFP species. Twenty six wild fruit plant species were identified and trees constituted the most common form of fruit plant species as compared to herbs. Among the edible parts, fruits were most widely eaten than seeds and were consumed mainly in raw form and thus required less preparation process. Most wild fruit species were richer in vitamin C (>1.0 x 102 mg/100g) and sugar (>5.5%). Although Vitellaria paradoxa was poorer in vitamin C (0.143 x 102 mg/100g) and sugar (2.43%), it recorded the highest protein (5.01%) and fat (2.75%) contents while phosphorus (51.7 mg/100g) and zinc (61.0 mg/100g) were highest in Passiflora edulis. The knowledge of wild fruit consumption was mainly informal, acquired from the parents, grandparents and friends. However, 19.4% of respondents were influenced to eat the fruits either by hunger or rebel commanders during food shortage. The knowledge and consumption of WFP are gradually reducing in the wake of increasing improved agricultural production technology and marketed food plants, eroded culture and tradition. There is need for thorough nutritional evaluation prior to recommendation of WFP for large scale consumption and marketing.
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    Iodine Agronomic Biofortification of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Is Effective under Farmer Field Conditions
    (Agronomy MDPI, 2019-11-23) Ojok, Joe; Omara, Peter; Opolot, Emmanuel; Odongo, Walter; Olum, Solomon; Gijs, Du Laing; Gellynck, Xavier; De Steur, Hans; Ongeng, Duncan
    Abstract: Iodine (I) is an essential micronutrient, which plays a critical role in human metabolism. However, its concentration is known to be low in most soils, making it deficient in crops. With most I agronomic biofortification studies conducted under controlled environments, limited information currently exists on this approach of enriching I deficient crops under farmer field conditions. Two-year field experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018 to examine efficacy of cowpea and cabbage in the uptake of foliar applied potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO3), each with 0, 5, 10, and 15 kg I ha−1 under farmer field conditions. Results indicate that KI was 34% more efficient than KIO3. Iodine concentration increased with application rate. In cabbage, the lowest I concentration (8.2 mg kg−1 ) was registered at 5 kg I ha−1 with KIO3 while the highest was 109.1 mg kg−1 at 15 kg I ha−1 with KI. Cowpea registered the lowest I concentration of 531.5 mg kg−1 at 5 kg I ha−1 with KIO3 while the highest (5854.2 mg kg−1 ) was registered at 15 kg I ha−1 with KI. Therefore, cowpea and cabbage can be effectively biofortified through foliar application of both KI and KIO3 under farmer field conditions.
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    Economic burden of the persistent morbidity of nodding syndrome on caregivers in affected households in Northern Uganda
    (PLOS One, 2020-09-29) Samson Yoane Latio, Lugala; Hai Nam, Nguyen; Shah, Jaffer; Smith, Chris; Sakai, Kikuko; Stonewall Shaban , Kato; Idro, Richard; Makoto, Nishi; Tien Huy, Nguyen; Hamano, Shinjiro; Moji, Kazuhiko
    Background Nodding syndrome (NS), is an unexplained form of epilepsy which leads to stunted growth, cognitive decline, and a characteristic nodding of the head. Current data about its impact on households in Uganda is scarce. Therefore, this study aims to assess the economic burden of the persistent morbidity of NS on caregivers in affected households in Northern Uganda. Methods Across-sectional cost-of-care study was conducted from January 2019 to February 2019 in Lakwela village-Northern Uganda in 14 households, who are members of a community based organization (CBO) established in the village with the support of a Japanese research team, (Uganda-Japan Nodding Syndrome Network). Data was collected through question naires. Both direct (medical and non-medical) and indirect (informal care) costs of caregiv ing were assessed. Indirect costs were valued using the human-capital method as loss of production. Results Direct costs constituted a higher proportion of costs for NS households, accounting for on average 7.7% of household expenditure. The annual weighted mean cost per NS patient wasestimated at 27.6 USD (26.4 USDdirect costs, 96.2% and1.2 USD indirect cost, 3.8%). Average time spent on informal caregiving was 4.4 ±1.7 (standard deviation) hours/ weekwith anestimated annual informal caregiving cost of 24.85 USD and gross domestic product (GDP) loss of 412.40 USD. Conclusion Direct costs due to NS are still high among households in this study. More studies are needed to investigate measures that could help bring down these costs and equally reduce the day-to-day disruption of caregiver’s activities; consequently, improving the lives of these affected households and communities.
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    Fast-growing exotic tree species as fuelwood alternative for refugees and host communities in Northern Uganda
    (Research Square, 2022-06-15) Anywar, Decimon; Shaban, Kato Stonewall; Labeja, Richard Louis; Loki, Robert Okongo; Okello, Collins
    The high demand for firewood and charcoal has exerted high pressure on the indigenous trees in Uganda. Communities believe that the indigenous trees are better fuel sources despite limited evidence to support this claim. This study was carried out in 2021 to evaluate the fuelwood properties of selected indigenous tree species in comparison to three exotic tree species that have been promoted for use by refugees and host communities in Lamwo District of Northern Uganda. Wood samples were collected from three different locations from the study area in Lamwo District and transported to Gulu University for laboratory analysis of their physical and chemical properties. Data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of confidence and the means were separated using Tukey HSD test. Results showed that moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and Fuel Value Index (FVI) did not significantly vary among the indigenous and exotic tree species. Fuel value index was observed to be negatively correlated with moisture content of the wood, implying both species’ categories retard in fuel quality when their moisture contents increases. Overall, the results show that there were no significant differences in the FVI of all the indegeneous and exotic tree species investigated in this study. It is recommended that fast-growing exotic species such as Eucalyptus grandis, Caliandra calothyrsus, and Senna siamea that are 22 grown in the region be promoted to ensure regeneration and reduction of pressure on the use of natural forest.
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    Antimicrobial activity of selected nutraceutical plants used in Northern Uganda
    (African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology, 2024-02-16) Ikinyom, N.; Lamwaka, A. V.; Malagala, A. T.; Ndyomugyenyi, E. K
    Background: Nutraceutical plants (NP) play a vital role as supportive treatment with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs). However, there is limited scientific evidence on the efficacy of NP to justify their extensive use. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of three nutraceutical plants which are commonly used as antimicrobials. Methodology: Leaves of Cajanus cajan L. Millsp. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill., and stem bark of Mangifera indica L. were collected from Northern Uganda. The three samples of each NP were extracted with acetone and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were determined using the serial broth microdilution technique [1]. The mean MIC values of the extracts against each bacterial species were recorded. Results: The three NP extracts were active against all the four bacteria species with MIC ranging from 0.08 to 2.5 mg/ml. The extract of Cajanus cajan was very active against Klebsiella pneumoniae with the lowest recorded MIC value of 0.08 mg/ml. The extract of Mangifera indica bark was very active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the lowest MIC of 0.08 mg/ml. Conclusion: The results of the present study support the traditional use of the nutraceutical plants as antimicrobials.
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    DRIVERS OF BORROWING DECSIONS AND CHOICE OF SOURCE OF CREDIT AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN NORTHERN UGANDA
    (Gulu University, 2025) OCEN JASPER
    Access to credit plays a critical role in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by enabling them to invest in agricultural inputs, expand production, and enhance food security. However,smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda continue to face challenges in accessing agricultural credit due to socio-economic and institutional barriers. This study examined the influence of socio-economic factors and credit attributes on borrowing decisions and choice of agricultural credit source among smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 223 smallholder farmers in Amuru and Nwoya districts. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and multinomial logit regression models. The study findings revealed that 65% of the farmers had borrowed credit. Additionally, borrowing decisions were significantly influenced by the sex of household head, one-off repayment schedule, collateral requirement, number of farm labourers, credit approval history, marital status, and interaction between sex of household head and interest amount. Furthermore, the choice of credit source was significantly influenced by sex of household head, credit approval history, interest amount, collateral requirement, credit amount, and participation of female spouse in credit application. Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) were the most common source of borrowing, followed by microfinance institutions. The study concludes that both socio-economic factors and credit attributes jointly determine smallholder farmers’ borrowing decisions and their choice of credit sources. Enhancing access to agricultural credit therefore requires addressing gender disparities, reducing collateral constraints, and aligning repayment schedules with agricultural income cycles. The study recommends that financial institutions should develop gender-sensitive and farmer-friendly credit products, including flexible repayment schedules and group-based collateral systems. Government and development partners should strengthen financial literacy and promote inclusive agricultural credit policies to ensure equitable access to credit among smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda.
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    ANALYSIS OF COFFEE VALUE CHAIN UPGRADING OPPORTUNITIES IN ZOMBO AND NEBBI DISTRICTS, UGANDA
    (Gulu University, 2025) ORACH OCHAYA VINCENT
    The coffee value chain in the Zombo and Nebbi districts of Uganda faces significant socioeconomic challenges that impact the productivity and economic status of smallholder coffee farmers. This study set out to analyze coffee value chain upgrading opportunities in these districts. Specifically, the study characterized smallholder coffee farmers, determined the extent of value chain upgrading, and examined factors affecting upgrading choices. A cross-sectional study design was employed to obtain responses from 288 smallholder coffee farmers. Descriptive statistics was used to characterize smallholder coffee farmers and to determine the extent of value chain upgrading among smallholder coffee farmers and probit regression was used to examine the factors affecting value chain upgrading choice among smallholder coffee farmers. Study findings revealed male dominance in coffee farming, low educational attainment among farmers, and heavy reliance on agriculture for livelihoods. The study also highlights limited access to market information and credit, which impedes farmers' ability to scale operations and invest in necessary inputs. The results indicate that while most farmers are engaged in the initial stages of value chain upgrading, such as producing red cherries and parchment coffee, there is a significant drop in involvement beyond these stages. Factors such as farm size, access to extension services, and market information positively influence upgrading, whereas poverty and high costs pose significant barriers. The study recommends that there is a need for targeted interventions to improve access to affordable credit, extension services, and market information.
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    GENDER PARTICIPATION IN THE FISH VALUE CHAIN IN AMOLATAR DISTRICT
    (Gulu University, 2025) LAKER VIOLA
    ABSTRACT This study was set out to contribute to an understanding of gender participation in the fish value chain in Amolatar District. Specifically, the study assessed the relationship between socioeconomic factors and gendered participation in the fish value chain, determined the drivers of value shares earned at the various nodes of the fish value chain and determined the factors influencing vertical integration in the fish value chain. Using a cross-sectional survey of 355 randomly selected fish value chain actors. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Tobit regression model and Multinomial regression. Findings revealed that value shares earned at the various nodes of the fish value chain was driven by sex of household head, participation of boys, participation of male spouse, participation of HH member in fish processing, dealing in tilapia, dealing in Nile perch, dealing in silver fish, quantity of fish sold, access to buyer information, distance to market, group membership and education. Vertical integration was influenced by sex of household head, dealing in silver fish, dealing in Nile perch, fish price, tax costs, transport costs, engagement in other farming activities, engagement in trading activities, distance to market and group membership. This study recommends diversification and inclusion in decision-making, strengthening support for value addition, market access, promoting group formation, and strengthening institutional support for value chain actors to overcome barriers to upgrading and enhance the overall efficiency of the fish value chain.
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    ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF AFRICAN SWINE FEVER CONTROL ALONG THE PIG VALUE CHAIN
    (Gulu University, 2025) Aliro Tonny
    ABSTRACT Pig production recommended as key for poverty alleviation strategies in Uganda’s 2040 Vision, contributes to livelihood income and employment for many people. The potential of pig value chain to support the livelihood of people are impacted economically by factors related with African swine fever (ASF). The endemic ASF has no effective vaccine and medicine, prevention and control rely on biosecurity measures, and restrictions of trade and pig movements. The overall goal of this study was to advance knowledge of perceived existing ASF biosecurity measures and associated implementation cost in the pig value chain. Four studies were conducted in six districts across northern, and central Uganda. The studies used focus group discussions, disease outbreak investigations, and participatory group model building of system dynamic (SD). Data analysis included semi-qualitative and quantitative methods. This study classified the perceived biosecurity implementation in smallholder into enablers – positive perception and knowledge; and hindrances – investment and feeding costs. Anthropogenic activities introduced ASFV contaminated commercial feeds into and facilitated spread within and across pig houses of a large-scale modern farm. During quarantine imposition, value chain actors shifted trade activities from formal to informal markets, and the perceived economic loss was higher among farmers. Farmers forgone pig sales worth $160,000, which is $14,000 lower than what traders would sell as pork during trade ban. In SD simulation scenarios when consumer demand remains unchanged, adult pig numbers rose as sales were restricted, hence pig and pork inventory reduce, causing an increase in prices as less is available on the market. On the other hand, when consumer demand falls, pig inventories rise and this causes a decline in the pig price. Combining a trade ban with enhanced biosecurity cost when consumer demand falls resulted in a further increase in adult pigs and pig inventories due to reduced pig death rates. As trade bans induce an increased herd size on farm, this leads to a fall in farmer and trader profit margins. In conclusion, the exiting biosecurity measures have failed to prevent and control ASF as hinderances outweigh enablers of biosecurity implementations. Contaminated commercial feeds was a potential source for ASFV introduction into large scale farmer. Reducing the pig mortality rates through enhanced biosecurity can improve outcomes from ASF outbreaks during trade ban, but there is a tradeoff with greater incurred costs.
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    URBAN RESIDENTS’ PERCEPTION AND WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR PUBLIC GREEN SPACES IN LIRA CITY.
    (Gulu University, 2025) Eper Ceasor
    ABSTRACT Urban public green spaces play an essential role in enhancing environmental sustainability, social well-being, and economic vibrancy within cities. However, rapid urbanization across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda, has placed increasing pressure on these spaces, leading to their degradation and conversion for other uses. This study examined urban residents’ perceptions and willingness to pay (WTP) for public green spaces in Lira City, and further analyzed how proximity to these spaces influences surrounding land values. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Data were collected from 397 households, 60 property owners, and key informants, including city officials, planners, and green space managers. Structured questionnaires and contingent valuation methods were applied to capture quantitative insights, while interviews provided qualitative depth. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, as well as binary and multinomial logistic regression in SPSS and STATA. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Findings revealed that awareness of public green spaces was high (97.5%), though frequent usage was limited. Residents valued green spaces highly, especially for environmental (M=4.32) and recreational (M=4.11) benefits, with a composite perception index mean of 4.01. Socio-demographic factors had a limited influence on perceptions, with education showing a modest effect. Willingness-to-pay analysis indicated that 67.5% of respondents were prepared to contribute financially, with income being a strong predictor of WTP. Reasons for unwillingness included mistrust in fund management and economic constraints. Regarding property dynamics, respondents living closer to Mayor’s Garden and Akii-Bua Stadium reported positive impacts on land values, a finding confirmed through multinomial logistic regression, which showed that proximity significantly increased the likelihood of perceived property value appreciation. The study concludes that public green spaces are highly valued by residents, both socially and economically, but their sustainability depends on adequate financing, inclusive planning, and effective governance. It recommends strengthening institutional commitment, promoting community participation, and adopting innovative financing mechanisms such as publicprivate partnerships to support maintenance and enhancement. These insights contribute to evidence-based urban planning and policy, reinforcing the role of green spaces in achieving sustainable city development in Uganda and other rapidly urbanizing contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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    Impact of Meteorological Factors on the Interaction between Green Vegetation, Urban Features and Air Quality Over Time in Kampala-Uganda
    (East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 2025-03-18) Ddumba, Jorum; Anahita, Ali; Katyal, Sonal; Shaban, Kato Stonewall
    The study aimed to analyze the influence of meteorological factors on the interaction between green vegetated areas, urban features, and air quality over time within Kampala city. Six (6) streets were sampled: - Nasser Lane, 6th Street, Namirembe Road, Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa, Makindu Close, and Nakasero Lane. From each street, samples were taken 3 times a day (Morning, Midday and Afternoon) for 7 days. The sampling frequency of every spot was thus 21 times. Makindu Close and Nakasero Lane are known for green vegetation, 6th Street is known for buildings and industrial zones, while Namirembe Road and Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa are known for car parks. A negative coefficient for humidity indicated that higher humidity levels are associated with low PM2.5 concentrations. The relationship between temperature and PM2.5 in the morning showed a slight positive trend, suggesting that PM2.5 levels may increase slightly as temperatures rise. Significant negative impact for several sites indicated that compared to the reference site (6th Street Industrial Area), other sites had lower PM2.5 levels. Both PM2.5 and PM10 levels had broader distributions in the morning and evening, indicating more significant variability in particulate matter concentrations during these times. CO levels were variable in the evening, with several sites showing higher concentrations. NO2 levels showed variability across different times, with the highest spread in the evening, indicating increased variability of nitrogen dioxide concentrations during that period. Makindu Close Kololo showed relatively stable levels across the day compared to other sites justifying the importance of green vegetated areas in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants.
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    Impact of Meteorological Factors on the Interaction between Green Vegetation, Urban Features and Air Quality Over Time in Kampala-Uganda
    (East African Nature and Science Organization, 2025-03-18) Ddumba, Jorum; Anahita, Ali; Katyal, Sonal; Shaban, Kato Stonewall
    The study aimed to analyze the influence of meteorological factors on the interaction between green vegetated areas, urban features, and air quality over time within Kampala city. Six (6) streets were sampled: - Nasser Lane, 6th Street, Namirembe Road, Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa, Makindu Close, and Nakasero Lane. From each street, samples were taken 3 times a day (Morning, Midday and Afternoon) for 7 days. The sampling frequency of every spot was thus 21 times. Makindu Close and Nakasero Lane are known for green vegetation, 6th Street is known for buildings and industrial zones, while Namirembe Road and Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa are known for car parks. A negative coefficient for humidity indicated that higher humidity levels are associated with low PM2.5 concentrations. The relationship between temperature and PM2.5 in the morning showed a slight positive trend, suggesting that PM2.5 levels may increase slightly as temperatures rise. Significant negative impact for several sites indicated that compared to the reference site (6th Street Industrial Area), other sites had lower PM2.5 levels. Both PM2.5 and PM10 levels had broader distributions in the morning and evening, indicating more significant variability in particulate matter concentrations during these times. CO levels were variable in the evening, with several sites showing higher concentrations. NO2 levels showed variability across different times, with the highest spread in the evening, indicating increased variability of nitrogen dioxide concentrations during that period. Makindu Close Kololo showed relatively stable levels across the day compared to other sites justifying the importance of green vegetated areas in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants.
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    The Impact of Urban Green Spaces and Built Environments on Air Quality in Kampala City: A Comparative Analysis
    (Journal of Environment, 2025-04-06) Ddumba, Jorum; Shaban, Kato Stonewall; Labeja, Richard Louis; Katyal, Sonal
    Purpose: The study analyzed the multifaceted dynamics between green vegetated areas and built environments on air quality within Kampala City. Six (6) streets were sampled: - Nasser Lane, 6th Street, Namirembe Road, Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa, Makindu Close, and Nakasero Lane. Makindu Close and Nakasero Lane are known for green vegetation, 6th Street is known for buildings and industrial zones, while Namirembe Road and Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa are known for car parks. Methodology: The survey used cross-sectional studies and quantitative approaches during data collection and analysis. The air quality parameters sampled included Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), and Carbon monoxide (CO) from various points within the city center. Findings: Results showed that the 6th Street industrial area was the most polluted area of the city, with PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended 2021 Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) levels by 100%, 86.96% and 100%, respectively. Namirembe Road and Owino Kafumbe- Mukasa were also polluted with Carbon monoxide, Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide. However, Owino Kafumbe-Mukasa’s Carbon monoxide levels exceeded WHO’s recommended Air Quality Guidelines (AQG) levels by 95.65%. Nkrumah-Nasser Lane and Nakasero Lane had mostly non-significant or less significant effects on pollutant levels. Makindu Close was less polluted; results indicated better air quality, especially with NO2. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Increasing green vegetation within the city is thus recommended to improve air purity, as evidenced in the Makindu Close and Nakasero Lane analysis. This research demonstrates a clear inverse relationship between green cover and pollutant levels, offering empirical evidence to support the promotion of urban greening initiatives as a practical solution to air quality challenges in rapidly developing cities like Kampala.
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    Breeding dynamics and threats identified at a small colony of Critically Endangered Rüppell’s Vultures Gyps rueppellii in a Ugandan Forest Reserve
    (Journal of African Ornithology, 2025-08-13) Oruka, Ivan; Malinga, Geoffrey M; Kato, Stonewall S; Ogada, Darcy; Pomeroy, Derek
    The Critically Endangered Rüppell’s Vulture Gyps rueppelli is a resident species in Uganda, with only one known breeding site in Luku Central Forest Reserve, Arua district. The natural resources in this protected forest reserve are under severe threat due to a growing refugee population. Our short-term study documented vulture population size and breeding success at a small colony inside the reserve, and we identified specific threats to vultures and the surrounding habitat. We utilised direct observation and drone photography. The number of Rüppell’s Vultures ranged from 18 to 24 individuals. Of the 14 nests located on the cliff face, eight (57%) were successful. Many threats were identified including disturbance to nests from synanthropic species, hunting vultures for belief-based uses, poison use by farmers targeting pest species such as primates and crows, and habitat destruction within the forest reserve. We recommend that the National Forest Authority collaborates closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, NGOs and international partners such as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to urgently engage neighbouring communities to heighten the protection of this site. Le Vautour de Rüppell Gyps rueppelli, espèce en danger critique d’extinction, est une espèce résidente en Ouganda, avec un seul site de reproduction connu dans le pays, dans la réserve forestière centrale de Luku, district d’Arua. Les ressources naturelles de cette réserve forestière protégée sont menacées par l’augmentation récente de la population de réfugiés. Notre étude à court terme a permis de documenter la taille de la population de vautours, le succès de reproduction dans une colonie à l’intérieur de la réserve, et d’identifier les menaces spécifiques qui pèsent sur les vautours et l’habitat environnant. Nous avons utilisé l’observation directe et la photographie par drone. Le nombre de Vautours de Rüppell a varié entre 18 et 24 individus. Sur les 14 nids situés sur la falaise, huit (57%) ont réussi. Un grand nombre de menaces ont été identifiées, notamment la perturbation des nids par des espèces synanthropiques, la chasse aux vautours pour des raisons de croyances, l’utilisation de poisons par les agriculteurs ciblant des espèces nuisibles telles que les primates et les corbeaux, et la destruction de l’habitat au sein de la réserve forestière. Nous recommandons que la National Forest Authority collabore étroitement avec l’Uganda Wildlife Authority, les ONG et les partenaires internationaux, tel que le Haut-Commissariat des Nations Unies pour les Réfugiés, afin d’engager d’urgence les communautés voisines de façon à renforcer la protection de ce site.