It was established as a game reserve in 1926 with the aim of protecting a large number of Kobs in the area. Toro Semliki Game reserve covers 542 square kilo meter, situated in Ntoroko and Kabarole districts.

Four communities around Toro- Semliki Game reserve includes Karugutu – Kyabandara. This community is found in the south of the reserve, about 18km from Fort Portal town. The area is dominated by the Bakonjo who are traditionally cultivators. Crops grown are maize, cassava, beans, soya beans, rice, and bananas among others.

Rwebisengo community found in north western edge of the reserve in the semliki flats. The area is dominated by the Batuku (Batoro-Bahuma), who are predominantly pastoralists.

Ntoroko fishing community situated at the south-eastern tip of Lake Albert between the estuaries of Wasa and Muzizi rivers. It covers about 4km2 has now been excised from the reserve and gazetted as a Wildlife Sanctuary to offer protection of any wildlife that interface in this area. This community depends on the fishing activity.

Kasesenge – Kyakabaseke community found in the eastern escarpment of the lift valley. The area is dominated by the Bakiga group who came to provide Labour in the tea plantation in 1960s. When the prices of tea declined, the Bakiga resorted to cultivation.