Uganda Wildlife Authority Unveils Six New National Parks

Kampala, Uganda — Uganda’s government has officially created six new national parks in a move to bolster biodiversity conservation, curb human-wildlife conflict, and diversify its tourism offerings. The decision, approved by the Cabinet, upgrades the status of several existing wildlife reserves and forest reserves to grant them greater legal protection and conservation resources.

A Boost for Conservation and Tourism

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) announced that the newly gazetted parks will enhance the country’s efforts to protect vulnerable animal species, combat illegal activities like poaching and charcoal burning, and expand conservation buffer zones.

The move aims to address the growing issue of human-wildlife conflict, which has intensified as Uganda’s human population grows and settlements encroach on previously protected areas. By promoting these areas to national park status, the government hopes to create a more robust framework for managing wildlife and ensuring a more harmonious coexistence with local communities.

The Six New Uganda National Parks

The newly designated national parks in Uganda include:

• Bukaleba National Park: Located in eastern Uganda along the shores of Lake Victoria, this area was previously a forest reserve and is home to a variety of monkeys, antelopes, and bird species.
• Kigezi National Park: Annexed from wildlife reserves bordering Queen Elizabeth National Park, its savannah plains offer prime grazing grounds for large herds of buffalo and elephants.
• Echuya National Park: A vital forest reserve in the Kigezi sub-region, this park is known for its unique high-altitude biodiversity.
• Kyambura National Park: Formerly part of the Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, this new park will provide enhanced protection for the unique chimpanzee population in the Kyambura Gorge.
• Katonga National Park: An upgrade of the Katonga Wildlife Reserve, this park is crucial for a variety of wetland and savannah species.
• Toro National Park: This new park, an upgrade of the Toro Game Reserve, is expected to protect a wide range of animals and habitats in the western region of the country.

Economic and Community Benefits

UWA officials stated that the upgrade of these reserves will not only protect wildlife but also improve livelihoods for communities living nearby. The new national parks will create jobs in park management and eco-tourism, and communities will benefit from the revenue-sharing programs that are a hallmark of Uganda’s conservation model.

This expansion is part of a broader government strategy to distribute tourism opportunities more evenly across the country, as most of Uganda’s existing national parks are concentrated in the western region. With the new parks, the government hopes to attract more visitors, increase tourism revenue, and boost the national economy.

We at Uganda Car Rental Services applaud The Uganda Wildlife Authority for this initiative that will definitely bring in more tourists who will have a chance to explore the lesser known destinations and discover new things along the way. For any further information about this development- simply contact us now by emailing to info@ugandacarrentalservices.com or calling us on +256-700135510 to speak with the reservations team.