The Ugandan government has announced plans to establish eight new national parks aimed at enhancing tourism revenue and strengthening wildlife conservation efforts.
This development is expected to not only improve the protection of wildlife but also diversify Uganda’s tourism offerings.
Currently, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) manages 10 national parks, alongside 12 wildlife reserves, five community wildlife management areas, and 13 wildlife sanctuaries.
Samuel Kakula, the undersecretary at the Ministry of Tourism, revealed that several game reserves are in the process of being upgraded to national park status.
These decisions stem from last year’s Protected Area System Assessment, which recommended the elevation of up to 10 game reserves to improve wildlife management and biodiversity protection.
Speaking during a recent meeting between the government and local authorities on conditional grants for the 2025/26 financial year, Kakula confirmed that many local governments have endorsed the upgrades.
A Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) was completed in April, and the Ministry of Tourism is now working on a cabinet memo seeking government approval before presenting it to Parliament.
“This initiative aligns with Uganda’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity, which calls for the expansion of protected areas. By upgrading these reserves, we aim to enhance the protection of biodiversity and wildlife,” Kakula explained.
Some areas being considered include Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, Katonga Wildlife Reserve, and Budongo and Maramagambo forest reserves, all identified for their rich biodiversity.
Boaz Tumusiime, acting commissioner for wildlife conservation at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, added that inter-ministerial consultations with the Ministry of Water and Environment and the National Forest Authority (NFA) have been crucial in advancing the RIA process.
He emphasized that expanding national parks will increase foreign exchange earnings from tourism, which recently surpassed $1 billion (UGX 3.7 trillion).
“In the first phase, we plan to upgrade eight reserves. This will require more rangers and manpower, but the returns, both in terms of wildlife recovery and tourism revenue, will be significant,” Tumusiime noted.
On Regional Imbalance and Local Economic Growth
Kakula pointed out that many of Uganda’s national parks are concentrated in the western region, and this expansion aims to distribute tourism opportunities more evenly across the country.
“This upgrade will also foster regional tourism development, ensuring that all parts of Uganda benefit from the sector’s growth,” he said, adding that local governments will see increased revenues from the initiative.
However, the challenge of limited funding looms large. “The government has not yet allocated specific funds for the creation of these new parks, but we will use available resources to set up preliminary structures to manage the parks’ operations,” Kakula admitted.
Richard Rwabuhinga, president of the Uganda Local Government Association, urged the government to significantly increase its investment in the tourism sector.
“Despite tourism’s contribution to foreign exchange, government funding for its promotion remains minimal. More resources must be allocated to preserve and market Uganda’s unique natural heritage,” he said
Dr. Wilson Sanya, president of the Urban Authorities Association of Uganda, also emphasized the need for centralized management of all tourism facilities to curb illegal activities like poaching.
He called for a more coordinated approach to tourism governance to streamline operations and maximize economic benefits.
National Parks as Key Economic Drivers although the creation of new national parks will require substantial investment in infrastructure and staffing, the long-term economic benefits are undeniable.
With better protection, wildlife populations are expected to recover, attracting more visitors and boosting Uganda’s reputation as a top ecotourism destination
