Following the 10-year Chimpanzee Action Plan 2002-2012 that saw the stabilisation of the chimpanzee population in Uganda, the tourism ministry is slated to unveil another 10-year Chimpanzee Conservation Action Plan 2023-2033. 

Whereas the chimpanzee population has been stabilised, the newly drafted National Chimpanzee Conservation Plan aims to see a great increase in the chimpanzee population.

Jane Goodall Institute programmes co-ordinator Dr Peter Apell made the revelations during a media briefing on Monday afternoon at Lubowa along Entebbe Road. 

Apell further intimated that the Action plan will officially be unveiled by world-renown enthologist Dr Jane Goodall during her visit to Uganda from August 20-25, 2023. The chimpanzee population in Uganda remains slightly above 5,000, according to Apell.

Dr. Jane Goodall. (Courtesy Photo)

Chimpanzees face numerous threats including habitat loss, hunting and diseases. To address such threats, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in collaboration with various stakeholders, has developed the National Chimpanzee Conservation Plan to ensure the long-term survival of chimpanzees in Uganda by promoting conservation and management efforts that will sustain their populations, habitats, and the ecosystem services they provide.

According to Apell, the plan provides a framework to co-ordinate efforts among stakeholders, including central and local government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private sector companies, researchers, and local communities to protect chimpanzee populations and their habitats, promote sustainable and conservation-compatible land use practices and support communities' co-existing with chimpanzees.

James Byamukama, the executive director of Jane Goodall Institute, said the action plan outlines specific strategies and actions that will be taken to protect chimpanzees and their habitats, including research and monitoring, community-based conservation initiatives and livelihoods, habitat protection and restoration, conservation education and awareness, and collaboration across all conservation actors.

Goodall visit

During her visit to Uganda, Goodall is expected to conduct a public lecture on August 22, meet several government officials and dignitaries before the celebration of 25 years of existence for Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, at a gala dinner slated for August 23. 

She will then launch the Goodall Roots and Shoots office at Entebbe Zoo, later visiting the Ngamba Chimpanzee Island.

Ngamba Chimpanzee Island executive director Dr Joshua Rukundo said the 53 rescued and orphaned chimpanzees at Ngamba, represent a wider population of chimpanzees in the wild that face extinction due to human-wildlife conflicts.

He noted that the newly developed action plan for Uganda is a critical step towards ensuring that future generations of Ugandans can continue to benefit from the ecological, cultural and economic values that chimpanzees provide. 

"It presents a significant commitment from the government of Uganda and its partners to safeguard the country's natural heritage and promote sustainable development," Rukundo said.

Chimpanzee Action Plan1

The National Chimpanzee Conservation Action Plan envisions a thriving Chimpanzee population living in healthy habitats, co-existing in harmony with humans and contributing to the well-being of the people of Uganda, especially through tourism.

Conserving the Chimpanzees and their habitats brings the provision of essential ecosystem services such as connectivity, clean water, food, carbon sequestration, and regulation of water and natural systems among others.