The Bigodi Wetland
The Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary is a small sanctuary located in Magombe swamp. This area is known for a variety of biodiversity among which are several primates species like the red colobus monkey, baboon, black & white colobus monkey, blue monkey grey cheeked, mangabey, vervet monkey, red tailed monkey and the L’Hoest monkey. Others mammals include, chimpanzees, bush pigs, otters and bush bucks also visit this swamp coming from the adjacent Kibale National park that occasionally visit the swamp. The Bigodi wetland is a paradise for bird watchers and birders can spot a variety of bird species. Today, over 138 species of bird have been recorded within the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary. Among the major bird species within the sanctuary is the grand Blue Turaco ark. Most well-known bird – Great Blue Turaco, the papyrus gonolek, grey-throated, yellow-billed, yellow- spotted and double-toothed barbets; speckled, yellow- rumped and yellow throated roller; grey parrot; bronze sun bird; black- crowned waxbill; grey-headed negro finch and many others. Butterflies are abundant in the swamp, and a home to sitatunga antelope, plus a variety of mongoose.
Its name “Bigodi” was derived from a local Rutooro word, “kugodya”, which means ‘to walk tiredly. The swamp is administered by the Kibale Association for Rural and Environmental Development (KAFRED). The verdant vegetation of Bigodi Wetlands is simple a sight dominated with wild palms, polita fig trees and the ever dominant Papyrus. Among the many other plants, flowering plants and trees are seen here.This makes it one of the important eco –system in Uganda. When taking a trip to Uganda especially from Kibale national park, this sanctuary is a must visit.
The swamp is of benefit to farmers since they get tips from fruits and vegetables from visitors. -Some tourists have over a number of years been sponsoring a number of children living within this village.
–A number of local people have transformed their homes into African-homesteads for tourists to visit. This actually offers tourists a closer encounter of the day to day lifestyle of the local resident people.
–The women in here have created the Bigodi Women Group that consists of 40 members presently, who make good-looking beads using re-cycled paper plus additional materials got from this swamp like rafia plus phoenix-palm leaves used in weaving baskets and making bags respectively. A number of their local products are also exported to as far as Europe.
–Fortunately Poaching within this region has tremendously reduced, nearly to stoppage, since the poachers themselves are today serving as tour guides, that take tourists through the impressive swamp as well as guide during the community walks in the villages;
-In addition the road that runs through this village was also constructed by the funds earned by the Bigodi swamp project.
