Home » UGANDA’S NEW NATIONAL PARKS: A MAJOR BOOST TO CONSERVATION AND TOURISM
UGANDA’S NEW NATIONAL PARKS: A MAJOR BOOST TO CONSERVATION AND TOURISM
In September 2025, the Ugandan government announced the gazetting of six new national parks, expanding the country’s total from 10 to 16.
This landmark decision, approved by Cabinet, upgrades existing forest and wildlife reserves to full national park status under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
The move aims to strengthen biodiversity protection, combat threats like illegal logging and human-wildlife conflict, and enhance eco-tourism opportunities.
These parks are expected to diversify Uganda’s safari offerings, attracting more visitors to its rich ecosystems, including primates, birds, and unique landscapes.
Key Highlights of the Announcement
- Strategic Goals: The upgrades provide stronger legal safeguards, improved infrastructure, and community involvement, aligning with Uganda’s Vision 2040 for sustainable development.
- Tourism Impact: Analysts predict a surge in multispecies safaris, building on Uganda’s reputation for gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park and chimpanzee tracking in Kibale National Park.
- Conservation Benefits: Enhanced protection for vulnerable species like forest elephants and diverse birdlife, while curbing encroachment in high-biodiversity zones.
The Six New National Parks
This is a breakdown of the newly designated parks, including their locations, sizes, and highlights:
| PARK NAME | LOCATION | SIZE (APPROX.) | KEY ATTRACTIONS AND WILDLIFE | POSSIBLE ACTIVITIES |
| Bukaleba | Shores of Lake Victoria, eastern Uganda | 9,500 hectares | Lakeside forests with diverse bird species; a biodiversity hotspot on the lake’s edge. | Birdwatching, boat safaris on Lake Victoria, forest hikes, fishing (regulated), and photography tours. |
| Echuya | Southwestern Uganda, near the Albertine Rift | 37,000 hectares | Montane cloud forests, primates (including blue monkeys), and over 150 bird species; stunning mountainous terrain. | Primate tracking (monkeys), birdwatching, guided nature walks/hiking, cloud forest canopy tours (future potential). |
| Kyambura | Adjacent to Queen Elizabeth NP, western Uganda | 15,700 hectares | Famous for chimpanzee tracking in a dramatic gorge; 13 primate species, birds, and forest elephants. | Chimpanzee tracking, other primate walks, birdwatching, gorge hiking, and cultural community visits. |
| Kigezi | Southwestern Uganda, a hilly region | 25,000 hectares | Rolling hills and wetlands; savannah wildlife like antelopes and predators; cultural sites tied to local Batwa communities. | Game drives, hill hiking/trekking, birdwatching, cultural tours with Batwa guides, and wetland walks. |
| Toro | Western Uganda, near the Rwenzori Mountains | 20,000 hectares | Mix of savannah and forests; elephants, buffalo, and leopards; potential for community-led conservation. | Game drives, guided bush walks, wildlife viewing hides, birdwatching, community conservation projects/volunteering. |
| Katonga | Central Uganda, along the Katonga River | 42,800 hectares | Riverine grasslands; hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds; boat safaris and walking trails in a less-visited wetland. | Boat safaris, hippo/crocodile spotting, walking trails, birdwatching, canoeing, and photography expeditions. |
These parks were previously managed as reserves by the National Forestry Authority (NFA), but the transition to UWA oversight will bring dedicated rangers, visitor facilities, and revenue-sharing with local communities.
Significance of Establishing New National Parks by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)
Creating new national parks is vital for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for the following reasons.
Biodiversity and Conservation
- Preserve Diverse Ecosystems: New parks protect unique habitats like lakeshore forests and bamboo groves, ensuring the preservation of Uganda’s natural heritage.
- Protect Wildlife Species: They provide safe havens for a broad range of wildlife, playing a critical role in maintaining biodiversity for future generations.
- Address Poaching and Encroachment: Expanding protected areas helps mitigate human-wildlife conflicts and curbs poaching and encroachment, which are intensified by population growth.
Economic Growth
- Increase Tourism Revenue: New parks are anticipated to boost annual tourism earnings, which can be reinvested into the national economy.
- Generate Local Jobs: Parks create employment opportunities in hospitality, guiding, and community projects funded by revenue sharing.
- Promote Regional Equity: Strategically placed parks help distribute tourism’s economic benefits more evenly, reducing regional disparities.
Education and Community Involvement
- Raise Conservation Awareness: New parks provide platforms to educate young Ugandans about the value of biodiversity and conservation.
- Involve Local Communities: UWA’s community conservation strategies, such as sharing park revenue for local development projects, foster harmony between people and nature.
- Enhance Livelihoods: Revenue-sharing initiatives support community-based projects, improving living standards in villages near the parks.
This expansion solidifies Uganda’s status as East Africa’s biodiversity gem. For the latest updates or bookings, check the UWA website or tour operators.
Planning a trip? These parks are a fresh reason to explore the “Pearl of Africa.”
