The Mabira Forest is a rainforest area covering about 300 square kilometres (120 sq mi) (30,000 hectares (74,000 acres)) in Uganda, located in Buikwe District, between Lugazi and Jinja.

Logging began in the early 20th century, and the characteristic trees East African mahogany (Khaya anthotheca) and mvule (Milicia excelsa) that were present in the 1950s have been since mostly been cut down for their valuable timber.

[9][10] In 2007 the Sugar Corporation of Uganda Limited (SCOUL), a jointly owned by the Government of Uganda and by the Mehta Group, announced plans to clear one-third of the Mabira Forest (around 70 square kilometres (27 sq mi), for sugarcane plantations, and had proposed to the government to de-gazette this land and transfer it to SCOUL.

While environmental activists feared the loss of hundreds of endangered species, increased erosion, the damage of livelihoods of local people and negative impacts on water balance and regional climate, supporters hoped for the creation of jobs.

In May 2007, the Ugandan environmental minister announced that the deforestation plans were suspended and that the government is trying to find alternative land for the Mehta Group.

Mabira Forest Reserve draws in visitors (nationals and foreigners) who are interested in its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna.

Some of the activities available to tourists include bird watching, wildlife viewing, guided nature walks, camping/picnics, cycling, tracking monkeys, zip-lining and cultural experiences with the local communities.