Ejiro Efenudu
Uganda has officially gazetted six new national parks, raising the country’s total from 10 to 16. The landmark decision underscores the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, and strengthening the country’s position as a premier African safari destination.
The newly declared parks — Bukaleba, Echuya, Kyambura, Kigezi, Toro, and Katonga — were previously managed as forest or wildlife reserves. Cabinet ratified the upgrade in a move aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict, curbing land encroachment, and opening new opportunities for eco-tourism.
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, said the development marks “a bold step toward safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage for future generations while creating new tourism frontiers that will directly benefit local communities.”
He explained that by elevating these reserves to full national park status, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) would now have greater legal and operational capacity to enforce conservation measures, strengthen anti-poaching operations, and invest in infrastructure that attracts global tourists.
Conservation experts have welcomed the move, noting that the affected areas host rich ecosystems that were under increasing pressure from human activity. For instance, the Echuya reserve is home to rare bird species and primates, while Kyambura is famous for its chimpanzee population and dramatic gorge landscapes. Toro and Kigezi contain montane forests critical to Uganda’s water catchments, and Katonga supports diverse wetlands and antelope species.
Local communities are also expected to benefit. The Tourism Ministry highlighted plans to promote community-based tourism models, ensure equitable revenue-sharing schemes, and expand employment opportunities tied to eco-tourism.
Tour operators described the expansion as “a game-changer” for Uganda, which is already renowned for iconic parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. By adding six more parks, the country is seeking to diversify experiences beyond gorilla trekking and traditional safaris.
Uganda Wildlife Authority has begun developing management plans for the new parks, which include boundary demarcation, infrastructure planning, and awareness campaigns to integrate local populations into conservation strategies.
Environmental groups also applauded the Cabinet’s action, stressing that the step aligns with global calls to preserve 30% of land and water resources by 2030. Uganda, they noted, is among a handful of African countries taking bold action to expand protected areas despite mounting land pressures.
With this decision, Uganda not only strengthens its ecological shield but also reinforces its global brand as the “Pearl of Africa,” promising visitors more diverse landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural experiences.
