Almost a third of Uganda’s bird life could lose its habitat in a protected forest if the Government goes ahead with plans to allow sugar cane growers to tear down trees and cultivate plantations for biofuel production.

Mabira Forest is home to several endangered species including Nahan’s francolin, a partridge-like bird found in pairs in the darkest, densest, dampest parts of the tropical jungle. Nine primate species, including the recently discovered grey-cheeked mangabey, would also lose their habitat. Conservationists believe that dozens more species of international significance, including plants with medicinal properties, may live in the 75,000-acre (30,000ha) reserve only 20 miles (30km) from Kampala, the capital.

Chris Magin, the RSPB international officer for Africa, said: “Slicing up Mabira would be an environmental disaster and makes no economic sense at all. Sugar production in Uganda is hugely inefficient and has to be heavily subsidised to be competitive.”

The reserve forms part of the Guinea Congo Forest in Central Africa, one of the most important wild-life habitats in the region, with at least 300 species of birds. Mabira is supposed to be protected in return for £180 million of World Bank funding for construction of the controversial Bujagali hydroelectric dam on the River Nile close to Lake Victoria.

Last year President Museveni ordered a study into whether to allow the Mehta Group, which has close ties to his Government, to use about a quarter of the forest for sugar. The plans provoked widespread hostility. First the Government dismissed its entire National Forestry Authority after members unanimously opposed the clearance. Then in April a demonstration organised by environmentalists spiralled into racial violence directed against Mehta, who are of Ugandan-Indian origins. Protesters attacked a Hindu temple in Kampala and Asian bystanders were stoned. Three people died before police restored order by firing live rounds.

The protests prompted ministers to announce a review of the decision but conservationists believe that President Museveni will forge ahead with the plan once international attention has waned after the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in Kampala in November.

Destruction of even a quarter of the forest would have a devastating effect on soil erosion, rivers and the local economy, according to a survey conducted by environmentalists at NatureUganda. They point out that eco-tourism is the second-largest foreign exchange earner in Uganda, with 62 per cent of income coming from visits to the unique landscape of Mabira.

Achilles Byaruhanga, the executive director of the organisation, said: “Mabira is a biodiversity heaven and conserving it is a much better option than growing sugar cane.”

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