Jane Goodall Institute Uganda

Chimpanzees are among the most intelligent animals on earth. They share about 98.8% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives alongside bonobos. Their remarkable intelligence, emotions, communication, and social behavior continue to offer important insights into both the natural world and ourselves. They deliberately use tools such as sticks to extract termites, stones to crack nuts, leaves as sponges for water, and branches for defense. They also remember complex patterns, build friendships and alliances, recognize hierarchy, communicate through gestures and vocalizations, comfort distressed group members, and even show self awareness and empathy. Different chimp communities can develop unique learned behaviors passed from one generation to another, a form of culture in the wild. Uganda’s chimpanzees are found in several forest ecosystems and protected areas across the country including Kibale National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, Kalinzu Forest, Bugoma Forest, Semuliki National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve and Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

INSIDE KIBALE: Reports of a so-called “chimpanzee civil war” in Kibale National Park are being misunderstood, according to park management. Speaking to @DailyExpressUg, Kibale NP Chief Warden, John Justice Tibesigwa said the reported clashes among chimpanzees are a normal part of ape behavior linked to competition over territory, food, water, and mates, not an extraordinary crisis as portrayed internationally. “Kibale remains stable and the chimpanzee population is actually increasing,” Tibesigwa said. The park, which spans about 795 square kilometres and hosts 13 primate species, recorded 1,001 chimpanzees in the 2019 census. A more recent survey reportedly indicates an increase of nearly 400 more chimpanzees. Tourism numbers are also rising: 📍17,000 visitors in 2022/23 📍19,660 visitors in 2023/24 📍20,773 visitors in 2024/25 Tibesigwa says the continued growth in both chimp populations and tourism demonstrates that the inter-community conflicts among chimpanzees are part of natural ecological processes and not a threat to the species’ survival. More stories, field videos, and exclusive insights from Kibale Forest loading on DailyExpress. #ExpressUpdates #ChimpanzeeCivilWars

UWA is hosting media for a familiarization trip at Kibale National Park. During the briefing, KCA chief WARDEN - John Justice Tibesigwa, has explained that chimpanzees experience conflicts "#ChimpanzeeCivilWar" Just like humans: competing for leadership, food, water and others.

@JGI_ug Plants 1,602,330 Trees to Celebrate Earth Day. Aim to restore biodiversity&ecosystems;increase& protect habitat for animals i.e.chimpanzees to reduce human-wildlife conflict, raise awareness &mobilize communities to protect, conserve environment & combat climate change.

The launch of the state of wildlife resources report today👇 ugandawildlife.org/wp-content/upl…

Yes. Bwindi is the only place in the world with 2 great apes co-existing - Chimpanzees and Mt. Gorilla's. @JGI_ug recent Chimpanzee Survey confirmed presence of 426 chimpanzees in the same park @ugwildlife @MTWAUganda @TourismBoardUg @KagutaMuseveni @UNESCO

On #EarthDay, we’re reminded of deep connection between people,other animals & natural world we all share. We all have power to make choices that protect & restore the natural world. Whether it is through the food we eat, products we choose/causes we stand for,our actions matter!

Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams visited 🇺🇬's Bwindi National Park,describing the experience as “once in a lifetime” Malsie is championing @WWFUganda's “Adopt a Gorilla” program, which supports ongoing conservation efforts across Uganda #ShowMeUganda #ExploreUganda

@JGI_ug celebrates, the first ever 'Jane Goodall Day' April 3, 2026. 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.

April 3,Celebrated #JaneGoodallDay following her footsteps-raising new generation of conservationists. Created awareness on environmental protection, planted trees&cleaned-up for the benefit of people, other animals&all living things–making the planet a better place for all of us

On #JaneGoodallDay people are encouraged to take action & make the world a better place; plant tree’s, do community clean-ups, donate to a cause, choose plant-based meals, advocate for animal welfare, and share what Jane meant to them using #JaneGoodallDay on social media @EUinUG

Annual Jane Goodall Day Celebration set for every April 3rd. Meant to honour Dr. Jane Goodall &mobilize public to keep Jane’s legacy alive by taking action to protect and conserve the environment, other animals and all living things and make the world a better place for all of us

Recently, the world celebrated 35th Anniversary of the Roots & Shoots programme. @JGI_ug crowned celebrations by launching a campaign to plant 35,000 trees, with every 1,000 trees representing a year of the existence of the programme. The campaign will be implemented in schools.

To mark 35 years of Roots &Shoots, a campaign to plant 35,000 trees was launched, with every 1,000 trees representing a year of existence of the programme. Campaign will be implemented in schools&every tree named after a child. They will be encouraged to care for &grow the trees.

Roots&Shoots @35, 204 clubs with 12,000 members registered, 46,348 trees planted, 3,527 girls reached - 1,179 empowered in SRH, 401 provided with scholastic materials, 193 mentored & 1,754 trained in reusable sanitary pads; 78 women supported with 44 sewing & knitting machines.

@Roots & Shoots 35th celebrations, Ronald Dungu, Chief Guest & Principal Education Officer @Educ_SportsUg represented PS & appreciated JGI for greening environment & schools. We encourage planting of shade&fruit trees to improve nutrition & boundary trees to protect school land

Celebrated 35 years of Roots & Shoots. Focused on reflecting on progress made-contribution towards youth leadership & conservation; showcase Roots & Shoots actions leading to environmental protection, education&community resilience & amplify Dr. Jane Goodall’s Green Hope Legacy

The Jane Goodall Institute Uganda has announced plans to plant 35,000 trees across the country as part of celebrations marking 35 years of the Roots & Shoots programme in Uganda. #NTVNews bit.ly/415TwEB

@BismacAmumpaire, Team Lead @ATEIUg says the #WildlifeConcert will be rolled out across 🇺🇬, particularly in communities neighboring national parks, to amplify conservation awareness. The initiative aims to engage local communities on the importance of anti-poaching efforts..1/2

Tomorrow we hit the road! Which distance are you conquering for the cause? 5KM. 10KM or 21KM?. Here’s the official route map, where your footsteps won’t just chase a finish line, they’ll build a legacy. Running to educate the children of fallen rangers. #UWHM2026