Uganda Wildlife Authority, (UWA) is Uganda's Government agency responsible for the management and protection of Wildlife in and outside protected areas. The agency is supervised by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
Uganda Wildlife Authority, (UWA) manages 10 National Parks; 12 Wildlife Reserves; 5 Community Wildlife Management Areas; and 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The ten National Parks include Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki, Mgahinga Gorilla, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks.
These parks display the best in East Africa. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.
Explore the wild Kidepo Valley; spot Queen Elizabeth’s tree-climbing lions; trek up the Virunga Volcanoes; summit the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains; take on Bwindi’s “impenetrable forest”; learn ancient tribal traditions and crafts – or just relax at your lodge surrounded by the wonderful sights and sounds of Africa’s most hospitable destination.
Word from the Executive Director
On behalf of the entire team at Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), it is my utmost pleasure to welcome you to our official website.....
Word from the Executive Director
Welcome to the official website of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of this remarkable institution, entrusted with the stewardship of Uganda’s unique and diverse wildlife heritage.
Uganda’s protected areas are home to some of the world’s most iconic species and landscapes, from the mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi, to the roaring waterfalls of Murchison, the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. These natural wonders are not only vital to our national identity but also to our economy, environment, and global biodiversity.
At UWA, we are committed to conserving wildlife and ecosystems through inclusive, innovative, and science-led approaches. We place a strong emphasis on community involvement, tourism development, environmental education, and combating wildlife crime. Our mandate goes beyond protection, it includes ensuring that wildlife conservation contributes to the well-being of communities and the sustainable development of our nation.
This website is a gateway to understanding our work, accessing real-time information, and discovering how you can support conservation efforts. Whether you are a tourist, researcher, investor, conservation partner, or passionate citizen, we invite you to engage with us and be part of this shared responsibility.
Together, let us ensure that Uganda’s wildlife and wild places continue to thrive for us and for future generations.
Conserving for Generations
Dr. James Musinguzi, PhD
Executive Director
Conservation Facts
How DOES Uganda Wildlife Authority Support a more Sustainable Future ?
The Agency is mandated with sustainable management of Wildlife and the Wildlife Protected Areas of Uganda in partnership with neighboring communities and other stakeholders for the benefit of the people of Uganda and the global community
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UGANDA boasts over 350 species of mammals, from the mighty giant mountain gorillas to the smallest ones like bats, bush babies, and shrews.
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Uganda is a birding paradise boasting a massive bird list of more of than 1073 recorded bird species making up 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world species.
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Uganda now home to half the world’s gorillas.
Explore uganda
Visit Uganda's national parks & Wildlife reserves
UWA is responsible for the management of 10 National Parks, 12 Wildlife Reserves and 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries and provides guidance over the management of 5 Community Wildlife Areas.
UWA is mandated to ensure sustainable management of wildlife resources and supervise wildlife activities in Uganda, both within and outside the protected areas.
Explore uganda
Featured ugandan experiences
Not only does Uganda boast some of Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders, like the source of the Nile, but it’s also home to some of the continent’s most incredible species. From rare and endangered great apes to tree-climbing lions, Uganda is nothing short of a wildlife lover’s paradise.
Gorilla Tracking Experience
With around 1004 mountain gorillas existing on earth today, Uganda is home to more than half of all these massive creatures, making it one of the only three countries in the world where mountain gorilla trekking is conducted. 27 gorilla families have been habituated and are visited by tourists.
The Batwa Experience
As the original dwellers of this ancient jungle, the Batwa were known as “The Keepers of the Forest.” The Batwa survived by hunting small game using arrows or nets and gathering plants and fruit in the rain forest.
Chimpanzee Tracking
Current estimates for the total wild population of chimpanzees which are estimated to be 100,000 to 250,000, with Uganda home to about 5,000 individuals. Almost 1,500 are found in Kibale National Park, the most popular place for chimp tracking in the country.
Our Conservation Mission
“To conserve, economically develop and sustainably manage the wildlife and protected areas of Uganda in partnership with neighbouring communities and other stakeholders for the benefit of the people of Uganda and the global community.”
Investing in Conservation & People
Wildlife/Eco-System Conservation
UWA implements diverse strategies to conserve and sustainably manage wildlife. They include community participation in wildlife management; revenue sharing; collaborative management; problem animal management; wildlife use rights; and conservation education and awareness.
News, Press Releases & Articles
The Latest News & Blog posts