Doho Rice Scheme is one of Ugandan Government’s pioneer Irrigation Rice Schemes, situated within the Eastern district of Butaleja. This scheme is characterized by over 25 square kilometers but that is not all the area is known for. It is also an excellent Birding spot with mainly aquatic and wetland bird species, given that the area was previously a seasonal wetland on the Manafwa River floodplain.
The Scheme is an area of rigorously irrigated rice cultivation with nearby areas being a natural wetland, mostly in the southern side. The main natural vegetation types are Cyperus papyrus, Vossia (floating grass), wet grasslands, Phragmites and a number of other sedge species.
Different Bird species in Doho Rice Scheme
With the different avifauna species, birding in Doho Ricer Scheme should not miss on any Birder’s bucket list. Majority of the species here are papyrus endemics and therefore look-out for the waders. The Doho Rice Scheme is also a significant breeding area for the grey crowned cranes, the black-headed herons, African sacred Ibis and African spoonbills among others. Also, there are more than 800 nests of Cattle egrets. Interestingly, this area also an incredibly important site for several migratory bird species with large colonies recorded from time to time.
Extraordinary species such as the Black-tailed Godwit, Black-winged stilt and spotted redshank are also occasionally spotted within the area. The Cardinal Quelea, Village weavers, the red-headed quelea, Fan-tailed widowbird, red-billed quelea and many birds are some of the pest birds in Doho Rice Scheme.
The area is also a major feeding site for different water birds with over 18 colonies of 6 bird species identified to be breeding while 2 others roosting within the Doho Rice Scheme. Expect occasional sighting of the Goliath herons, African fish eagles, saddle-billed storks and black-headed herons.
Best time for Birding in Doho Rice scheme
Birding in the Doho Rice Scheme Area is conducted throughout the year but the migratory birds are common in the wet months-March, April, May and November.
About Doho Rice Scheme
Extending for over 25 square kilometers, the Doho Rice Scheme was established in 1942 within the district of Butaleja to feed soldiers of World War II. However, rice production dropped until the early 1970s when it was revived with support from the Chinese Government. It extends between the sub-counties of Mazimasa and Kachonga in East Bunyole County.
How to get to Doho Rice Scheme
Doho Rice Scheme is approximately 161 miles from the Capital (Kampala), 15 miles from Mbale Town and about 30 miles from Tororo Town. You can reach the site by public transport means (Bus or Matatus) until Mbale and Butaleja Towns then continue by motorbike (locally referred as Boda boda) or private means through Tour Operators.
