KAMPALA, Uganda — The government, in partnership with conservationists, has launched a 10-year initiative aimed at protecting Uganda’s large carnivores, such as lions, leopards, and hyenas. The Strategic Action Plan for Large Carnivore Conservation in Uganda seeks to address major threats, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
The plan, launched during the National Wildlife Conservation Conference 2025, aims to increase the population of large carnivores by 30%, enhancing ecological balance and tourism. 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,” Butime stated.
Ivan Tumuhimbise, WWF Country Director, highlighted the plan’s key priorities, including strengthening research, resolving human-wildlife conflict, and enhancing cooperation between government agencies and stakeholders. Tumuhimbise noted that illegal wildlife trade remains a significant challenge, particularly the demand for lion body parts.
To address this, WWF and its partners plan to enhance monitoring efforts and provide economic alternatives to communities. The plan has an estimated budget of over 169 billion Ugandan shillings (approximately $44 million) for the conservation and management of large carnivore species over the next 10 years.
Jan Sadek, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Uganda, emphasized the need for sustainable financing mechanisms to support conservation efforts. “Conservation finance is not just about money—it is about mindset. It is about seeing conservation not as a burden, but as an opportunity,” Sadek said.
The European Union is committed to supporting conservation efforts in Uganda. Sadek noted that the EU recognizes conservation as an economic opportunity, with the global nature economy valued at $44 trillion. In Uganda, nature-based tourism alone generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually, supporting jobs, businesses, and rural communities.
James Musinguzi, incoming Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, stated that the authority is committed to implementing the program 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.
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