News Category: Organisation update

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has released the list of successful candidates following the recent nationwide recruitment exercise for Wildlife Rangers conducted across various Conservation Areas.

The list of selected candidates is posted on the noticeboards at the respective Conservation Areas where interviews took place, and is also available on the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s website at https://ugandawildlife.org/ranger-recruits/ ranger-recruits.

The chosen recruits are required to report for training starting on May 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Kabalega Secondary School in Masindi District. Failure to report at the specified date and time will be considered as forfeiting the opportunity.

All recruits are advised to bring the following items: an original National Identity Card, two mattresses, a pair of bed sheets, sandals and sports shoes, a bucket, a green or black round-neck T-shirt, a torch, and a backpack for personal belongings.

UWA congratulates the 1,312 recruits and welcomes them to the next stage of preparation for their service in wildlife conservation.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is intensifying its fight against wildlife crime by launching a new Uganda Wildlife and Timber Forensics Laboratory at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) – Entebbe Zoo. This initiative marks a significant step in protecting Uganda’s forests.

The cutting-edge laboratory, funded by the European Union, Danida, TRACE – Wildlife Forensic Network, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, was officially inaugurated by the European Union Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Jan Sadek. He emphasized that the opening is more than just unveiling a building; it signals that wildlife and forest crimes must be treated as serious, organized offenses that require thorough investigation, prosecution, and appropriate penalties.

Ambassador Sadek pointed out that for years, Uganda and the surrounding region lacked the forensic tools needed to identify wildlife and timber species, despite illegal logging being a major cross-border crime. Without scientific evidence, many cases fail in court, allowing criminal networks to continue operating.

This new laboratory fills that gap by offering advanced forensic services, including timber DNA analysis to precisely identify species and trace their origins. It also adheres to an international Quality Management System to ensure that evidence is reliable and admissible in court.

Mr. David Musingo, Commissioner Community Conservation and Ex Situ Wildlife Services, highlighted the laboratory’s impact on conservation, stating, “This facility enhances our ability to connect scientific research directly with law enforcement. It equips Uganda with the tools to investigate wildlife crimes more effectively and secure convictions that were previously difficult due to lack of credible evidence.”

The establishment of the Uganda Wildlife and Timber Forensics Laboratory represents a vital move toward strengthening the rule of law, preserving biodiversity, and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage for future generations.

This project is a result of strong collaboration between UWA, the Ministry of Water and Environment, and international partners. Besides infrastructure, it also focuses on training and capacity building to ensure long-term success.

Early outcomes are already visible, with cases that had previously stalled now advancing to court and leading to convictions. In the coming months, the laboratory will fully implement timber DNA analysis, further enhancing Uganda’s capacity to combat forest-related crimes.

The official opening was attended by key figures, including Dr. Alfred Okot, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Water and Environment, representatives from the Danish Embassy, UNODC, TRACE, the British High Commission, and members of the judiciary such as Her Worship Gladys Kamasanyu.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) officially launched the State of Wildlife Resources in Uganda Report 2026, a landmark national publication presenting the most comprehensive current assessment of Uganda’s wildlife (floral and fauna) populations, diversity and trends, habitat conditions, emerging threats and conservation responses across the country.

Unlike previous wildlife status assessments that largely concentrated on selected mammal populations, the 2026 report provides a broader national biodiversity account by consolidating data on flora, fungi, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats and other mammals, thereby offering a fuller scientific picture of the health of Uganda’s natural heritage.

The publication, now available on https://ugandawildlife.org/publications/, shows that Uganda continues to register measurable progress in biodiversity conservation through species recovery, strengthened ecosystem protection, improved habitat interventions and modernization of wildlife monitoring systems.

Uganda remains one of Africa’s most biologically diverse countries, supporting over 18,000 recorded species of flora and fauna, including over 4,800 species of native plant species, more than 1,000 bird species, globally significant mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants and giraffes, all of which are vital for ecosystem stability, water regulation, climate resilience and future agricultural adaptation.

The report particularly highlights the growing conservation significance of Uganda’s flora, documenting threatened indigenous cycads, crop wild relatives of coffee, finger millet, pearl millet, sorghum and eggplants, as well as several foods, medicinal, fuel, and construction plant species whose habitats are increasingly under pressure from land conversion, invasive species spread, agricultural expansion and climate-related changes.

These plant resources, some of which are strictly endemic to Uganda, are identified as critical national genetic assets for food security, ecological restoration and biodiversity resilience. On the animal population front, the latest surveys indicate continued positive recovery among several species under active conservation management.

Buffalo populations increased from 32,235 in 2021–2022 to 41,548 in 2023–2025, hippopotamus populations rose from 8,226 to 9,026, Uganda kob from 166,526 to 175,109, waterbucks from 16,638 to 22,623, zebras from 17,762 to 20,942, topis from 1,805 to 3,809, common elands from 3,510 to 3,619, while Nubian giraffes increased from 2,414 to 2,519 during the same period.

Uganda has also continued to register one of the continent’s most notable species recovery successes especially the Southern White Rhinoceros population, which increased from 43 to 61 rhinos under sustained breeding and protection management. Uganda’s international standing as a key great ape conservation destination remains reinforced, with mountain gorilla numbers remaining stable at 459, while chimpanzee estimates increased from 5,072 to 6,075 across major forest ecosystems.

The report shows that conservation gains are not uniform across all species. While several herbivore populations continue to recover, some flagship wildlife populations remain under pressure. Elephant populations in monitored Protected Areas declined from 6,621 in 2021–2022 to 6,352 in 2023–2025, while lion numbers reduced from 314 to 291.

This underscores the need for intensified habitat protection, prey base recovery, ecological corridor management and stronger human-wildlife conflict mitigation. The report warns that Uganda’s wildlife remains under significant and growing pressure. Expanding human settlements, agricultural encroachment, infrastructure development, extractive activities and continued fragmentation of wildlife habitats are steadily reducing ecological space for wildlife movement and regeneration.

The report also identifies invasive alien and problematic native plant species, climate variability, illegal wildlife use, unsustainable resource extraction and persistent human-wildlife conflict as major threats affecting both floral and fauna populations. These pressures continue to undermine ecosystem integrity and threaten the long term sustainability of conservation gains if not addressed through sustained investment and coordinated national action.

Launching the report, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Col. Tom Butime, said the publication offers Uganda an evidence-based national account of the status of its wildlife and provides a strong foundation for conservation planning and sustainable development.

“This report demonstrates that conservation is not only about protecting wild animals. It is equally about safeguarding plant life, habitats, ecological services and the natural systems upon which tourism, climate resilience, water security and community livelihoods depend,” Hon. Butime said.

The Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, Prof. James Kalema, said the report provides critical scientific evidence needed to guide long-term institutional oversight, conservation investment and policy prioritization. “This report gives us a clear measure of where Uganda is registering returns on conservation investment and where institutional attention must now be intensified. It reinforces the need for sustained financing, stronger ecological monitoring and deliberate long-term protection of the habitats that sustain wildlife,” Prof. Kalema said.

UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, said the report demonstrates Uganda’s steady transition toward science-led and technology-assisted biodiversity management through aerial wildlife surveys, SMART ranger patrol systems, Earth Ranger collar monitoring, camera trapping, digital ecological databases and expanded ecosystem monitoring. “This publication presents a consolidated national account of where Uganda stands in wildlife conservation today. It shows measurable gains in species restoration, stronger monitoring systems, broader ecosystem understanding and clearer identification of the threats that must now be addressed,” Dr. Musinguzi said.

The Executive Director added that UWA will continue strengthening habitat restoration, invasive species management, wildlife disease surveillance, ecological research, plant conservation and strategic partnerships to secure Uganda’s wildlife for future generations. The State of Wildlife Resources in Uganda Report 2026 therefore presents a clear national call for sustained conservation action to secure Uganda’s flora, fauna and ecological systems for generations to come.

Uganda Wildlife Authority is conducting a recruitment exercise for rangers to strengthen the workforce in the country’s protected areas.     

This exercise that commenced on April 20, 2026, across the country will see 1000 young men and women join the authority ranger force.

Thousands of shortlisted young candidates are continuing to show up with determination in large numbers to go through a multi-stage interview process. This includes a 5km run to assess physical fitness, verification of academic qualifications, medical examinations, and oral interviews to evaluate their understanding of basic conservation issues and communication skills.

UWA Board Chairperson Prof. James Kalema assures applicants that the process is transparent and based on merit. “This recruitment is being conducted fairly and openly; the Authority is committed to transparency and integrity. We strongly discourage any form of malpractice and urge all participants to avoid corruption, as it will not be tolerated,” he notes.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has successfully relocated a stray male elephant weighing 3,496 kilograms that had been causing fear among residents of Bukatu Village, Mpanga Parish, Kahunge Sub-county in Kamwenge District for more than five months.

The elephant frequently wandered into the village searching for crops such as maize, watermelon, and pumpkins, posing a significant threat to the community. After receiving reports from residents, UWA stepped in to handle the situation.

The complex operation was led by senior veterinary doctor Victor Musiime and involved the authority’s experts. After three sleepless nights of coordinated effort, they managed to capture the elephant and relocated it to Kibale National Park –  Mainaro area in Dura Sub-county, which is far from human settlements.

John Justice Tibesigwa, the Chief Warden of Kibale National Park, stressed that relocation alone is insufficient because elephants are intelligent and can find their way back.

“It’s not just about relocating it because it’s clever and can return. That’s why we fitted it with a tracking collar to monitor its movements and prevent it from coming back to the community,” he explained.

He praised the team for their hard work and dedication and thanked the community leaders and residents for their cooperation throughout the operation.

Selestini Ngabirano, the Bukatu chairman, commended UWA for their intervention, noting that the elephant had caused fear among community members, leading many to avoid going out at night.

While Kibale National Park is well-known as a haven for primates, it also hosts a considerable number of forest elephants, estimated at around 566 in 2019. These forest elephants are smaller than savanna elephants and can be seen during guided walks, especially in the southern part of the park.

In a significant move to protect Uganda’s wildlife, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has successfully apprehended a 36-year-old man, Okech Philip Jonathan, who was found in possession of 14.5 kilograms of pangolin scales.

This operation was conducted in collaboration with the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), today 22^nd March, at the UPDF checkpoint in Karuma, Kiryandongo district, around 10:30 a.m, while the suspect was traveling by motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) to Karuma Centre to sell the scales.

Okech was carrying the scales inside a yellow sack placed in a bag. When questioned about his destination, he explained that he had traveled from Kampala via the Gateway bus to Lamdin, intending to conduct the transaction there. However, he was informed that the buyer was resting in a guest room in Karuma, which prompted him to take the items there instead.

The suspect is to be handed over to Kiryandongo Central Police Station to face charges of illegal possession of protected wildlife species and engaging in wildlife trade without a permit, as stipulated under section 70(1)(b) of the Uganda Wildlife Act 315.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has once again successfully passed the internal accreditation for the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 assessment, an annual evaluation that examines quality management systems, technical expertise, and excellence in laboratory service delivery.

This assessment was carried out by the South African National Accreditation System at the Uganda Wildlife Authority Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (UWADRL), located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kasese.

The evaluators praised UWA for the technical skills of its staff in accurately conducting various laboratory tests, maintaining a laboratory setup that complies with all safety standards for safe diagnostic procedures, managing professional equipment records including inventory, calibration schedules, calibration certificates, and service reports, as well as demonstrating strong support from top management in upholding laboratory service standards.

This outstanding accomplishment clearly shows that Uganda Wildlife Authority is dedicated to upholding quality laboratory systems, technical proficiency, and excellence in laboratory professionalism.

Charmaine Morube head of the assessors team commented , “Maintaining accreditation under such a stringent international standard highlights the professionalism, commitment, and teamwork exhibited by the staff.”

Ongoing adherence to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 not only boosts confidence in tests results but also strengthens UWADRL’s vital role in advancing wildlife health, research, and One Health initiatives both within the country and internationally

As we observe this year’s International Day of Forests with the theme “Forests and Economies,” the forest restoration program at Kibale National Park is making a significant impact by transforming lives and boosting Uganda’s economy through its carbon absorption efforts.

Kibale National Park, known as the “Primate Capital of the World,” spans about 71.5 square kilometers of restored forest. This forest not only helps combat global warming but also plays a crucial role in improving the livelihoods of people living near the park.

Planted in the last 30 years, the forest now absorbs 1.5 million tons of carbon, benefiting local communities involved in its restoration. Senior Warden Forest Restoration, Richard Kigenyi, expresses confidence that the ongoing carbon data collection will yield positive results, noting an average increase of over 200,000 tons every three years.

John Justine Tibesigwa, the Chief Warden of Kibale Conservation Area, states: “The forest restoration project in Kibale is one of the best in Africa, delivering enormous benefits to the neighboring communities and ultimately enhancing the conservation of the park.”

Supported by the forest restoration project led by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and partners such as Face-the-Future, Prima Klima, and local communities, the carbon absorption initiative generates revenue from carbon credit sales that positively impacts lives.

This income supports community projects like beekeeping, pig farming, and goat rearing, enabling residents to develop sustainable livelihoods without harming the forest. More than 200 community members are employed seasonally in activities such as tree planting, seed collection, nursery management, and caring for native seedlings, while over 140 have permanent jobs.

The project has also provided 5,000-liter water tanks to improve access to clean water for households, reducing the need for risky trips into the park to collect water from natural sources. Additionally, a five-kilometer trench was built to prevent elephants from damaging crops on nearby farms, helping to reduce conflicts between the community and the park.

Understanding Carbon Markets and Credits:

A carbon market is a non-physical marketplace where carbon credits are bought and sold. These markets come in two types: compliance markets, which are government-mandated trading systems, and voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), where companies and individuals can purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions voluntarily.

Carbon credits are tradable permits or certificates that represent the right to emit one metric ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or an equivalent amount of other greenhouse gases (GHGs). They are essential tools for reducing emissions and can be generated through projects that avoid emissions, such as renewable energy and forest conservation, or through removal projects like reforestation and carbon capture and storage.

In a major effort to combat wildlife crime, a joint operation by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Police Force (UPF) led to a successful arrest of five individuals found with 106 kilograms of raw elephant ivory in Bukedea District.

The suspects were arrested in Ariet Village, Kachubala, Aligoi Sub-county, following an intelligence-driven mission aimed at dismantling illegal wildlife trafficking networks. During the operation, six cut pieces of elephant ivory were seized, indicating a well-organized illicit trade.

The arrested individuals have been named as Acipa Deborah (40), a businesswoman; Okwatum Stephen (43), a driver; Ojangole Godfrey (35), a teacher from Kampala; Arapa Julius (28), a businessman; and Adwaru Simon (38). Four of them reside in Bukedea District, while one comes from Serere District.

After their arrest, the suspects and the confiscated items were taken to Bukedea Central Police Station. They are set to be transferred to the Standards Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye, Kampala, where formal charges will be filed. Authorities stated that the suspects will face two charges: unauthorized possession of protected wildlife specimens, specifically elephant ivory, and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Margret Kasumba, Assistant Commissioner Law Enforcement and head of the wildlife crime unit at UWA, praised the operation’s success, calling it a vital move toward breaking up illegal wildlife trafficking networks. She also commended the collaborative efforts of the enforcement teams and partners involved.

“This operation delivers a significant blow to ivory trafficking networks. Recovering 106 kilograms of ivory underscores both the magnitude of the problem and our effectiveness in disrupting these criminal groups. We remain dedicated to eliminating this threat to our biodiversity,” she said.

Uganda continues to grapple with wildlife trafficking challenges, especially concerning elephant ivory, which is highly valued on the international black market. Uganda Wildlife Authority warns that such illegal activities seriously endanger elephant populations and the country’s biodiversity.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has today commenced the historic reintroduction of Rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park, marking the return of the species to the landscape 43 years after the last rhino was sighted in the area.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the first two Southern White Rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Kidepo Valley National Park, the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority Dr. James Musinguzi described the exercise as a major milestone in Uganda’s conservation journey.  A total of eight rhinos will be taken to the park.

“This moment marks the beginning of a new rhino story for Kidepo Valley National Park. The translocation of these rhinos is the first step in restoring a species that once formed part of the park’s natural heritage. Over time, additional rhinos will be introduced to gradually rebuild a viable and thriving rhino population in Kidepo.”

Dr. Musinguzi noted that the exercise is aligned with the National Rhino Conservation Strategy for Uganda, which provides the national framework for restoring rhino populations within their historical range and strengthening long-term rhino conservation efforts in the country.

He further explained that the exercise is also informed by the feasibility study for rhino reintroduction into the wild undertaken by Uganda Wildlife Authority, which assessed suitable habitats, ecological requirements, and security conditions for restoring rhinos to protected areas in Uganda. The study identified Kidepo Valley National Park as one of the most suitable locations for reintroducing rhinos into the wild.

Extensive ground work has been undertaken by partners to prepare Kidepo Valley National Park for the return of the species. Preparations include the establishment of a secure rhino sanctuary supported by perimeter fencing, access roads, firebreaks, ranger facilities, water infrastructure, and monitoring systems to ensure effective protection and management of the animals.

Dr. Musinguzi expressed appreciation to conservation partners whose collaboration has made the reintroduction possible. “We are deeply grateful to our conservation partners whose technical expertise, financial support, and logistical contributions have made this milestone possible. The return of rhinos to Kidepo demonstrates the power of partnerships in restoring species and protecting Uganda’s wildlife heritage.”

The Commissioner for Biodiversity Management, Mr. John Makombo, emphasized the ecological and operational significance of the reintroduction, noting that the return of rhinos to Kidepo is a critical step in restoring the park’s ecological completeness.

“Kidepo Valley National Park is one of Uganda’s most intact savannah ecosystems, and the reintroduction of Southern White Rhinos restores a key component of that ecosystem. This reintroduction strengthens not only species recovery but also ecosystem integrity and resilience”, he said.

The rhino reintroduction is supported by Wild Landscapes East Africa (WLEA), Northern Range Lands Trust (NRT) and Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF). These partners have supported sanctuary development, infrastructure preparation, equipment provision, and logistical planning necessary for the successful translocation and long[1]term protection of the rhinos.

Upon arrival in Kidepo Valley National Park, the rhinos were initially placed in a secure sanctuary within the park where they will be closely monitored by trained rangers and veterinary teams to ensure their successful adaptation to the environment.

Rhinos once roamed widely across the Kidepo Valley ecosystem. However, due to intense poaching and insecurity during the late 1970s and early 1980s, the species was wiped out from the area. The last rhino in Kidepo Valley National Park was killed in Narus Valley in 1983, marking the end of their presence in the park for more than four decades.

Uganda’s rhino recovery journey began in 2005, when a breeding programme was established at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary after the species became extinct in the wild in Uganda. The success recorded at Ziwa and the importation of an additional eight rhinos from South Africa late last year have enabled the gradual expansion of rhino restoration efforts to other suitable habitats within the country. Currently, Uganda has 61 rhinos.

The return of rhinos to Kidepo Valley National Park is expected to strengthen biodiversity conservation, enhance the park’s tourism potential, and contribute to Uganda’s broader efforts to restore endangered wildlife species within their historic ecosystems.