Government, in partnership with Conservationists, has launched the Strategic Action Plan for Large Carnivore Conservation in Uganda, a 10-year initiative (2024–2034) aimed at addressing poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
The plan seeks to increase the population of large carnivores by 30%, enhancing both ecological balance and tourism.
Presiding over the launch, Uganda’s Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime, emphasized the need for collective efforts in wildlife preservation.
“Let us heed the call for conservation of our planet and explore practical, innovative strategies that mitigate the consequences of human activities while fostering sustainable development,” he stated. “By drawing inspiration from successful conservation financing models, we can secure the future of our wildlife through collaboration and dialogue.”
Butime urged conservation partners to support Uganda’s efforts in protecting wildlife for both current and future generations.
WWF Country Director Ivan Tumuhimbise highlighted that the plan will address various challenges, including human-wildlife conflict and declining carnivore populations, particularly lions.
“We are pleased to be part of this carnivore recovery strategy for Uganda. The key priorities include strengthening research to understand why lion populations are declining and designing effective interventions. We will also focus on resolving human-wildlife conflict and enhancing cooperation between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector,” Tumuhimbise said.
He stressed that WWF’s primary focus will be reducing human-wildlife conflict, promoting wildlife education in communities near protected areas, and fostering alternative livelihood opportunities.
Tumuhimbise noted that illegal wildlife trade remains a significant challenge.
“Wildlife trade is a growing problem, particularly the demand for lion body parts, both locally and across borders. Some traditional herbalists in Uganda are also driving this demand, encouraging poaching,” he explained.
To curb this, WWF and its partners plan to enhance monitoring efforts and provide economic alternatives to communities that might otherwise turn to poaching.
Tumuhimbise noted that one of the major causes of carnivore population decline is retaliatory killings by communities when predators attack livestock.
He emphasized the importance of interventions such as community education and compensation mechanisms managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
“In hotspot areas where lions attack livestock or even people, we work with communities to implement conservation education and compensation programs. This helps them appreciate the benefits of coexisting with wildlife,” he noted.
WWF urged the private sector and other stakeholders to contribute resources towards conservation efforts.
“If we bring together all stakeholders and pool resources, we can strengthen conservation efforts and sustain interventions that protect Uganda’s rich biodiversity,” Tumuhimbise concluded.
In his address, James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), stated that the newly launched plan has an estimated budget of over UGX 169 billion (approximately USD 44 million) for the conservation and management of large carnivore species over the next 10 years.
He noted that the Uganda Wildlife Authority is commited to implementing thus program together with other partners.
The Strategic Action Plan is expected to play a crucial role in safeguarding Uganda’s large carnivores while promoting sustainable tourism and economic opportunities for local communities.
