Located in the Buhoma sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushegura is undoubtedly one of the largest and oldest gorilla families in Uganda. Rushegura was formed in 2002, making it the third gorilla family in the Buhoma region, following the creation of Mubare in 1993 and Habinyanja in 1997.
The family is best known for visiting lodges in the nearby areas and was fond of living a nomadic lifestyle, crossing between Uganda and the D.R. Congo. However, it has now found a permanent habitat in Uganda’s Bwindi National Park.
Rushegura was originally founded by a gigantic and ambitious silverback named Mwirima at the age of 25. Mwirima, together with Rwansigazi, were sons of Mugurusi (the late silverback of the Habinyanja family).
Following the death of Mugurusi in 2000, Rwansigazi took over as the lead silverback. However, when Mwirima gained maximum support from most family members, he split from the Habinyanja group in 2002 to form his own separate family due to internal disagreements.
The group was recognized during the same year, 2002, as efforts to reunite with the Habinyanja family were futile. The new group was named Rushegura under the leadership of silverback Mwirima, while Rwansigazi remained the lead silverback of the Habinyanja family. The name Rushegura refers to the place where silverback Mwirima separated from the Habinyanja family in February 2002.
Upon separation, Mwirima left with over five members of the family, but later more gorillas joined until they were 12 members. Mwirima led the group until March 2014 when he died of natural causes, leaving the group in the hands of a dominant black back, Kabukojo, assisted by another black back, Kalembezi. They have led the group until now.
At the time of his death, Mwirima had grown the group’s number from 12 to 19 members. Some of the members in the Rushegura group include Kabukojo (black back), Kalembezi (black back), Kyirinvi, Kibande, Nyamunwa, Buzinza, Karungi, Ruterana, Kafuruka, Kanywani, Nyampazi, Katazi, and many others.
Rushegura is known to be one of the most peaceful, calm, and friendly groups in Bwindi National Park. It usually roams the Buhoma village and sometimes can be seen at Gorilla Forest Camp or in the nearby gardens. Tracking the Rushegura family begins from the Buhoma headquarters, or sometimes visitors have to drive for 15 minutes to the trailhead at Mukono.
