UWA probes 3 lions deaths in Quen Elizabeth National Park

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) says it has launched an investigation into the mysterious deaths of three sub-adult lions at the Queen Elizabeth National Park, located in the southwestern region of Uganda along the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In a statement released on December 11, 2025, UWA says, “The incident was detected on Thursday morning using Earth Ranger technology. Our tea, guided by satellite signals from a collared lion, moved into Akabale area in Nyamugasani after observing unusual movement patterns. Upon reaching the location, they found three sub-adult lions: two males and one female dead.”

UWA says during the follow-up searches, “our team found a cow carcass within the same area. A portion of the carcass had been placed in a bag containing unknown substances, while the remaining part was left exposed. Additional items, including a panga and slippers, were also found near the carcass.”

UWA adds that these findings form a central part of the ongoing investigations into the cause of death of the lions and identification of those involved with a view to prosecuting them in accordance with the law.

“UWA has notified the Police in Kasese, and the matter is now under investigation. Both agencies (Police and UWA) are working closely to examine evidence collected at the scene and pursue all investigative leads. We encourage the public to support Uganda’s conservation efforts by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities that may endanger wildlife or undermine wildlife protection initiatives.”

Not the first time

This would not be the first time lions have mysteriously died at the park. Lions have been repeatedly and fatally poisoned in Uganda, particularly in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, over the last two decades.

These incidents are primarily attributed to human-wildlife conflict, where local communities retaliate for lions preying on their livestock, or for the illegal wildlife trade of body parts.

Notable poisoning incidents

In March 2021, six tree-climbing lions were found dead and dismembered in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Their heads and paws were hacked off, and the area was surrounded by the bodies of dead vultures, indicating poisoning.

Two men were later convicted for this incident and sentenced to 17 years in jail in September 2022.

In April 2018, eleven lions, including eight cubs and three lionesses, were found dead near the Hamukungu fishing village in Queen Elizabeth National Park. This was a significant blow to the park's lion population, which was estimated at around 400 at the time.

Previous Incidents: Other poisoning cases in the same park led to the deaths of five lions in May 2010, and 15 lions between May 2006 and July 2007.