The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) generated Shs 16.4 billion from tourism-related business arrangements in the 2025/26 financial year, surpassing its target of Shs 5 billion. This strong performance highlights the growing financial contribution of private businesses operating in Uganda's national parks and protected areas. The authority attributed the revenue growth to concession fees from private businesses operating tourism facilities and services within protected areas.
Despite a decline in visitor numbers, UWA significantly exceeded its revenue target from concessions. The authority attracted 865,805 visitors during the financial year, down from 943,837 in 2024/25, representing an 8.3 per cent drop. UWA executive director Dr James Musunguzi cited the Ebola outbreak and unnecessary travel advisories as reasons for the decline in visitor numbers.
The Shs 16.4 billion collected against a Shs 5 billion target means UWA exceeded its goal by Shs 11.4 billion, or 228 per cent. Its actual collections were more than three times the amount it had planned to raise. This performance points to the importance of tourism investments as a source of income for the authority, beyond the number of people visiting its parks.
UWA is looking to attract more private investment to expand tourism services and strengthen its revenue base. During the financial year, the authority prepared 19 concession opportunities and identified 18 investment sites for potential investors. These opportunities aim to encourage businesses to invest in tourism facilities and services within protected areas.
Dr Musunguzi expressed optimism that such investments would help the authority contribute to the government's ambition of growing Uganda's economy to $50 billion by 2030. Attracting investors is crucial for UWA, as improved tourism facilities can support visitor growth while creating additional revenue opportunities from the country's wildlife and natural attractions.
Apart from its financial performance, UWA reported progress in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and protected area management. The authority cleared and controlled invasive species across 7,464.94 hectares during the financial year, up from 4,299.97 hectares in 2024/25, representing a 73.6 per cent increase. UWA also maintained 1,213 kilometres of protected area boundaries and restored 60 hectares of degraded habitats.
In another conservation milestone, UWA translocated 90 animals to support species conservation, including the transfer of eight southern white rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park. The authority also received the mandate to manage and restore Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, which has suffered degradation from illegal activities.
Key points
- UWA generated Shs 16.4 billion in revenue, exceeding its target by Shs 11.4 billion.
- The authority attracted 865,805 visitors, down 8.3 per cent from the previous year.
- UWA reported progress in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and protected area management.
