Judith Mirembe

Judith is a Ugandan safari guide, researcher, and wildlife photographer whose life has been shaped by a deep passion for birds and their habitats. Her journey began in childhood, learning to identify birds in her local language and absorbing the cultural stories and folklore woven around them. What started as a childhood hobby, bird watching during excursions with colleagues and experienced Ugandan birders such as Herbert Byaruhanga and Johnnie Kamugisha, eventually shaped my professional path. This early connection to nature grew into a lifelong commitment to bird conservation and habitat protection, with a special fascination for the Shoebill - one of Africa’s most iconic and endangered species.

Since 2016, Judith has been guiding safaris across Uganda, captivating guests with her expert knowledge, warm storytelling, and talent for bird photography. While training as a bird guide, Judith observed a clear gender disparity in the nature guiding industry; this realization inspired her to take action, leading to the founding of the Uganda Women Birders Club in 2013. The initiative was created to encourage and support more women to enter the bird watching and nature guiding space, a field traditionally dominated by men in Ugandan society. She is also an active member of the Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA), the Uganda Bird Guides’ Club, and Uganda Women Birders.

From 2017 to 2019, Judith was awarded a prestigious research fellowship with the Zoological Society of London’s EDGE of Existence programme - an initiative supporting young conservationists to protect Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species. This fellowship launched her dedicated research on the Shoebill, including documenting a successful nest at the Mabamba Wetlands on Lake Victoria. Since then, she has never looked back, continuing to study the species and advocate for its protection. It was this project that earned Judith the nickname “The Shoebill Chic!”

Judith is also a volunteer with Nature Uganda (BirdLife International’s partner in Uganda) as part of their Bird Population Monitoring Programme. She serves as the national coordinator for eBird Uganda, reviewing citizen science submissions and ensuring data quality for global research efforts.

Outside the field, Judith channels her energy into sports, playing hockey for the Uganda Women’s National Team. She represents the strength and grace of women in tourism and conservation, showing that passion combined with purpose can create lasting change.

Through her guiding, photography, and conservation work, Judith inspires others to explore Uganda’s extraordinary biodiversity, appreciate the beauty of nature, and take action to protect it for generations to come.

Home location: Uganda

Guides in: Uganda, specialising in Shoebill birds & ornithology

Languages: English

Daily rate: $