By Frank Kamuntu
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) have agreed to enter a collaborative park management arrangement that will see AWF invest up to $21 million (approximately Shs78.8 billion) over the next decade to strengthen conservation efforts in Kidepo Valley National Park and the wider Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape.
The landmark partnership, which has already received approval from the UWA Board of Trustees, is expected to enhance wildlife protection, improve ecosystem management, and support sustainable livelihoods for communities living around one of Uganda’s most celebrated conservation areas.
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in northeastern Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region, is renowned for its vast rugged savannah, rich biodiversity, and spectacular scenery at the foothills of Mount Morungole. The park is traversed by the Kidepo and Narus rivers and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most pristine wilderness destinations.
In a letter dated April 9, 2026, addressed to AWF Uganda Country Director Rose Ssebutindira, UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi confirmed that the Board had endorsed the proposal and authorised the development of a detailed implementation framework.
“Following your presentation of the proposed collaborative management partnership to the Uganda Wildlife Authority Board of Trustees on April 8, 2026, the Board approved the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape CMP and authorised UWA to work with AWF to develop a detailed business plan to facilitate fundraising and implementation of the partnership,” Mr Musinguzi stated.
He described the partnership as a strategic intervention that will strengthen management effectiveness not only within Kidepo Valley National Park but also in the neighbouring Karenga Community Wildlife Management Area, selected central forest reserves, and other critical biodiversity hotspots within the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape.
“Together, we aim to transform the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape into a resilient ecosystem and sustainable protected area that contributes to Uganda’s socio-economic development, while promoting conservation and sustainable livelihoods for local communities,” Mr Musinguzi said.
Under the proposed framework, AWF will immediately provide approximately Shs3.8 billion once the agreement is formally signed, with the remaining funds to be invested progressively over a ten-year period.
Although details of the co-management arrangement are still being finalised, the investment is expected to bolster ongoing conservation programmes and expand initiatives aimed at combating wildlife crime, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and improving community participation in conservation.
AWF has established a strong conservation footprint in Uganda through several programmes. Under its Canines for Conservation initiative, the organisation has deployed trained sniffer dogs and handlers at Entebbe International Airport to help detect illegal wildlife products and curb trafficking.
The foundation has also partnered with UWA and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to strengthen wildlife crime prosecution through specialised training for investigators and prosecutors.
In areas affected by human-wildlife conflict, AWF supports local scouts with deterrent equipment such as Roman candles and protective gear in conservation hotspots including Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls. The organisation has also promoted climate-resilient and wildlife-friendly agricultural practices, including sustainable chilli and cotton farming, to reduce crop damage by elephants while creating alternative income opportunities for local communities.
Mr Musinguzi said UWA has committed, subject to clearance by the Attorney General, to enter into a long-term co-management agreement with AWF to secure the future of the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape.
The partnership represents one of the most significant conservation financing commitments to a protected area in Uganda in recent years and is expected to contribute to the long-term protection of wildlife, ecosystems, and community livelihoods in the Karamoja region.
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