UWA Exceeds Wildlife Patrol Targets as Conservation Efforts Expand

What the report says

Uganda Wildlife Authority said it surpassed its patrol target in the 2025/2026 financial year, carrying out 25,621 patrols against a planned 14,177, according to figures presented by Executive Director James Musinguzi at a stakeholders’ breakfast in Uganda. Nile Post reported that the agency framed the results as part of a broader push against poaching and wildlife crime while also expanding conservation work in protected areas.

The authority said its activities went beyond patrols to include habitat restoration, fire management, boundary maintenance, disease surveillance and animal rescue. It cleared invasive plants on 7,464 hectares, maintained protected-area boundaries, installed new boundary pillars and reported progress on electric fencing meant to reduce human-wildlife conflict. UWA also said it relocated eight adult male southern white rhinos from Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to Ajai Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park.

Community outreach remained a major part of the programme. UWA reported thousands of awareness meetings and radio talks, plus 94 projects under its revenue-sharing programme, which returns part of park entry fees to nearby communities. The article notes that conflict between people and wildlife remains a serious challenge, especially where farms and settlements border conservation areas, with crop damage and safety concerns still being reported.

The briefing also highlighted tourism, research and staffing efforts. UWA cited visitor numbers at major parks, new concession agreements, a wildlife research conference and training for more than 1,300 rangers. Board chair James Kalema said the agency wants stronger stakeholder cooperation and faster handling of compensation claims linked to wildlife damage.