Tourism and Conservation in Uganda: Insights from UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi
World Business Journal talks to James Musinguzi, Executive Director, UWA, about opportunities being offered to domestic and international investors to develop and operate tourism accommodation in protected areas, maintaining the human-wildlife balance, and research work undertaken to aid wildlife and ecosystem management policies.
How is the escalating human-wildlife conflict being addressed, and what changes have been observed?
Human-wildlife interactions are major obstacles to wildlife conservation, mainly due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion. Historically, elephants migrated from Queen Elizabeth National Park to Kibaale Conservation Area, Murchison Falls National Park, and Sudan, but these corridors have been lost.
We are working to rebuild corridors in the northern region to connect to Sudan. Establishing these corridors is a priority.
Two main factors contribute to wildlife confinement: population growth, resulting in the destruction of corridors, and environmental changes like climate change and invasive plant species that limit forage availability.
Several interventions address these issues. Electric fencing, trenches, and boardwalks help confine animals. Community beekeeping not only provides honey but also deters elephants. Educating communities about wildlife behaviours and seasonal patterns mitigates conflicts.
We are recruiting scientists to study animal behaviours and collaborate with sociologists to raise public awareness about wildlife movements. Wildlife scouts and rangers manage wildlife, and a compensation system has been established for damages caused by animals.
What initiatives are in place to foster and facilitate partnerships with both domestic and international investors?
Investors are offered attractive opportunities to develop and operate tourism accommodation in protected areas. This enables both Ugandan and non-Ugandan investors to pursue long-term concessions of 25 years or more.
This year, we successfully signed three significant concession agreements with private investors to develop and manage high-end tourism infrastructure in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley National Parks.
Which key findings have emerged from the research and monitoring program?
Notable findings from the past year reveal a decline in lion populations, primarily driven by infanticide, where male lions kill their infant competitors. Current genetic studies are focused on assessing the genetic makeup of lions in Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park to support translocation efforts aimed at repopulating these areas.
Research also highlights population trends, indicating increases in elephants and gorillas. Rhinos are thriving in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, leading to a translocation plan to move them to Ajai Wildlife Reserve for improved habitat conditions. Research plays a crucial role in addressing invasive species, managing animal populations, and prioritising indigenous tree species for park restoration.
