Uganda gearing up for World Wildlife Day

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On March 3, 2025, Uganda will join the global community in celebrating World Tourism Day. The event will take place in Lira district, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to be the guest of honour. This celebration comes at a time when Uganda’s nature-based tourism has been recognised as a significant contributor to the economy, with its tourism sector expected to boost the GDP by the tune of $500m (sh1.8 trillion).

"With its enduring peace, welcoming people, and a thriving population of mammals, primates, birds, butterflies and reptiles, Uganda is a dream destination for tourists. It is blessed with natural wonders that set it apart from much of Africa," tourism minister Tom Butime said during the launch of the event.  This was at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala city on February 12, 2025.

“Today, we launch a series of activities that will awaken everybody to appreciate wildlife. There are national essay writing competitions for schools, public dialogues and concerted campaigns.”

Progress being made

This year's theme is: Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet and, according to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) executive director, Sam Mwandha, the country is making significant progress. Populations of mammals and primates are steadily recovering from their numbers in the 1980s.

“The Mountain Gorillas are thriving and multiplying, and so are the white rhinos, which are in an advanced stage of being reintroduced to the wild from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakaseke. Antelope populations are also booming, almost as if they have a target. The good news is that while elephant populations may be declining elsewhere on the continent, they are increasing here in Uganda,” Mwandha proudly stated.

The Mountain Gorillas are thriving and multiplying. (Courtesy)

Lion population question

When asked about efforts to address the declining lion population, Mwandha quickly responded, highlighting initiatives aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict.

“We are advising communities near conservation areas to avoid keeping livestock, which helps minimize conflict between wildlife and livestock. Additionally, the compensation process is being expedited for cases where humans are injured or animals are harmed,” he explained. “In a place like Bwindi, farmers are encouraged to plant tea to deter Mountain Gorillas, and it has proven to be highly effective.”

Numbers increasing

Uganda Tourism Board deputy CEO, Bradford Ochieng, reports that tourist numbers are steadily increasing, with many responsible travellers keen to see how the 40 per cent of gate fees contribute to improving the livelihoods of communities living near the attractions.

“The good news is that last year’s Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo focused on sustainable tourism. Many visitors have been impressed by initiatives like beekeeping, which not only serves as an elephant repellent but also provides an income for local communities through honey production. Additionally, the tea farms in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Park act as buffer zones, protecting food gardens from the primates,” Ochieng said. “It is time for all to play a role in conserving and marketing the attractions that Destination Uganda is endowed with.”

Adding organic fruits, cuisines, wines, gins and beers have since joined the long list of irresistible attractions.