Although little is known about the natural history of this species, it has been recorded from mid-elevation tropical moist forests close to highlands. In a study based in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, the species was caught in herbaceous habitat (Tuyisingize et al. 2013).

This species has a very restricted range in the montane region of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it has been recorded from Chaya, Ruchuru (type locality). In Uganda, it has been recorded within the Bwindi Forest Impenetrable National Park (Kasangaki et al. 2003) and possibly occurs in the Mbanga Forest ~113 km (70 miles) northwest of Entebe. In Rwanda the species is known from Volcanoes National Park (Tuyisingize et al. 2013). It occurs at elevations between 1,000-2,000 m asl.

This species is present in Bwindi Forest Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. There is a need to effectively conserve remaining areas of suitable upland forest habitat. Additional surveys are needed to locate additional viable populations of this forest shrew. Further studies are needed into the natural history of this species and into the identity of animals recorded from Mbanga Forest, Uganda.