The Launch of a Strategic action plan for the restoration of big carnivores 2024-2034
Uganda's large carnivores, including lions, leopards, and African wild dogs have been facing steep declines over the past decades. Lion populations, for example, have dropped from 600 individuals in 2000 to around 300 today. Habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict have all contributed to this alarming trend, threatening not only these iconic species but also the delicate balance of Uganda’s ecosystems.
To address this extinction threat, the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, with support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and other partners, developed the Strategic Action Plan for Large Carnivore Conservation in Uganda (2024–2034) that was launched on February 26, 2025, in Kampala, Uganda. marking a significant step toward protecting lions, leopards, wild dogs, and other iconic carnivore species.
Hon. Tom Butime, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities
The plan was launched by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Tom Butime in Kampala Uganda, aims for a 30% increase in carnivore populations by 2033.
Speaking during the launch, the Minister noted that, “This plan is essential to preserving Uganda’s natural heritage, a legacy that must be passed on to future generations, it represents a legacy build on cooperation and shared vision to wellbeing of the people and environment”.
“The strategic plan, represents a future where economic progress and environment stewardship go ahead hand in hand, benefiting communities and preserving the natural beauty of Uganda’ the Minister added.
Carnivores are a symbol of Uganda’s national heritage and a major driver of wildlife tourism, a sector that contributes significantly to Uganda's Gross Domestic Product. In addition, large carnivores are very important in ensuring ecosystem health and balance of nature.
Simon Nampindo, WCS Uganda Country Director, who attended the launch emphasized the importance of this strategic plan, stating, “the strategy provides the roadmap for investments toward the recovery of large carnivores, specifically the lions, leopards and cheetahs and sets the milestones and targets, and implementation framework for all players in the ecosystem to collaborate, coordinate and contribute to the management and conservation of large carnivores in Uganda”.
This aligns with EU Ambassador Jan Sadek's remarks that "conservation is not just about building nature; it’s about securing livelihoods”.
The plan places communities at the heart of large carnivore conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of fostering peaceful coexistence between people and carnivores by enhancing economic opportunities and social benefits.
Jane Sadek EU ambassador in Uganda on the left
The strategic actions laid out in the plan represent new and fresh opportunities for strengthening WCS conservation efforts in Uganda’s Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park. The two WCS stronghold sites in Uganda. These actions not only aim to restore large carnivore populations but also empower surrounding communities through sustainable livelihood programs, such as beekeeping cooperatives, and foster human-wildlife coexistence initiatives.
WCS welcomes the strategic action plan and looks forward to working closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to implement the recommendations in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks where lion populations are currently in decline. Through stronger collaboration and applying global best practice in big cat conservation, WCS believes that the populations of these keystone species can be restored.
Click HERE to access and download the strategy