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They lost the forest. But never their voice.

IHAMBA

"The forest was our hospital"

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LAND, MEMORY, AND LOSS

The Batwa are one of Uganda’s oldest Indigenous communities, once living freely in the Bwindi and Mgahinga forests. In the 1990s, conservation efforts turned these forests into national parks.. and the Batwa were evicted, losing their homes, healing traditions, and access to sacred lands.

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“Ihamba” is a Rukiga word meaning forest spirit — something that stays even after it’s gone. This film shares the Batwa’s stories of loss, memory, and resilience in their own voices.

Ihamba Film Trailer
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The Batwa and the Forest

Culture and Knowledge from Uganda’s Forest

Through interviews, oral histories, and community-led research, the Batwa share their enduring knowledge systems and the impact of losing access to ancestral forests.

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Planning a visit to Bwindi?

Make your visit more meaningful.


Support the Batwa before, during, and after your journey through small, thoughtful actions that honour their rights and knowledge.

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Co-creation with the Batwa

This project was co-created with Batwa community members, not just in front of the camera, but behind it too. Through shared decisions, filming, and storytelling, it reflects lived experience, not just observation.

Contact Us

Please note that the contact section of this website is not monitored directly by Batwa community members, as many live in areas with limited internet access. Instead, it is overseen by members of our research and film team who are in regular communication with the Batwa Advisory Committee. Any messages sent through this form will be shared with the Batwa team as appropriate, with respect to privacy, consent, and cultural protocols.

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