Our Story

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The story of Mayooba Eco Foundation begins in 2017, rooted in the lush landscapes of Kabarole District, Western Uganda. It was during an inspiring moment at the Makerere University Biological Field Station (MUBFS), nestled near Kibale National Park, that the seed of this organization was planted. Ayebare Isaac, a passionate Ugandan tourism professional deeply committed to environmental conservation and community well-being, found himself in conversation with Dr. Patrick Tusiime, a respected resident of Kyanyawara village in Kiko Town Council.

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Dr. Tusiime shared a personal account of life on the edge of Kibale National Park—home to one of the largest populations of chimpanzees in Africa. He described how a group of elephants once raided his entire banana plantation, a critical food source for his family. “It was a hard time,” he recalled. “We had nothing to eat for days.” That firsthand narrative of the challenges faced by communities bordering protected areas sparked something profound in Isaac Ayebare.

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Motivated to make a difference, Isaac began exploring ways to bridge the gap between conservation efforts and local community needs. After observing the research work happening at MUBFS, he conceived the Kibale Forest Kids Initiative Project, aimed at empowering children with knowledge of conservation, climate awareness, and sustainable tourism practices.

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With support from like-minded individuals (including American elementary school students Lily and Luke) who helped fund initial supplies, a children’s soccer team—Kibale Forest Young Stars—was formed under the banner Sports for Conservation and Tourism. The project went beyond sports. It cultivated leadership among young people, established indigenous tree nursery beds, and organized educational nature walks within Kibale Forest. Special thanks go to Guma Nelson, then the Conservation Area Manager of Kibale National Park, for waiving park entry fees for the children.

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Realizing the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflict, Isaac voluntarily began collecting crop-raiding data from the communities of Kyamugarura and Makobyo A & B. Using a self-designed datasheet, he documented the types of crops destroyed, estimated damage percentages, group sizes of elephants through track counts, and community feedback on ranger response. After six months of data collection and analysis, the findings were clear—there was a need for urgent intervention.

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In response, a proposal was submitted to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (Kibale Conservation Area) under the children’s project, requesting permission to install a beehive fence—a low-cost, eco-friendly method known to deter elephants. Permission was granted, and two supportive parents, Chris Abooki and Byooma Araali, offered 30 colonized beehives, which were relocated to the forest edge near the research station. The hives were installed at 5-meter intervals, forming a barrier.

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The result was promising. Elephants avoided the area where the beehive fence was installed, instead diverting to a different route 200 meters away. However, challenges quickly emerged—there were not enough hives to complete the fence, no protective gear for hive maintenance, and inadequate materials to sustain the initiative.

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Despite these efforts, the project encountered a major setback: funding shortfalls. As a recent graduate with little experience in NGO operations, Isaac found it difficult to maintain the momentum alone. Recognizing the need to grow professionally, he moved to Kampala, where he worked with both government and non-governmental organizations. Through various roles in proposal writing, research coordination, and project management, he gained the skills and knowledge necessary to run an effective organization.

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Alongside his formal roles, Isaac continued to pursue side projects in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. These experiences enriched his understanding and strengthened his resolve to revive the dream he had started in Kibale.

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Years later, with renewed energy and a clear vision, Isaac shared his decision to resign from formal employment with his close friend Sarah Kasembo, a professional lawyer. Encouraged by her legal expertise and support, he began the formal process of registering the organization—now known as Mayooba Eco Foundation.

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Mayooba Eco Foundation is not just an NGO; it is a movement driven by the belief that conservation, sustainable tourism and community empowerment must go hand in hand. From its humble beginnings in a forest research station to its rebirth with a stronger foundation, the journey reflects resilience, purpose, and an unshakable commitment to creating a better future for both people and nature.

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This is just the beginning. Together—with communities, partners, and passionate individuals—we will empower, conserve, and thrive.