Uganda has set up a national task force of scientists, conservationists and tourism operators to help rebuild its depleted lion population.
The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Col. Tom Butime, launched the National Lion/Large Carnivore Conservation Taskforce with a mandate to advise the Ministry and UWA on strengthening large carnivore conservation. Its members come from government, conservation organisations, universities, research institutions and the tourism industry.
Hon Butime said protecting lions and other iconic species should be a priority because they draw tourists and “immensely contribute” to revenue, jobs and livelihoods. He also pointed to their value for ecosystems and Uganda’s cultural heritage.
The launch follows years of alarming findings. A survey by Uganda Wildlife Authority and independent researchers across six protected areas found a nearly 50% decline in some of Uganda’s most iconic lion populations over the past decade.
That included the tree-climbing lions of Queen Elizabeth National Park. Queen Elizabeth now holds about 40 lions, while Kidepo has about 22. The Queen Elizabeth figure is down by more than 40% since the last survey in 2018.
The picture is better in Murchison Falls, where researchers estimated about 240 lions at a density of seven per 100 square kilometres. That is far above the other two parks, though the area still faces snaring and oil-related pressures.
The longer trend is also worrying. A 2009 survey estimated 408 lions across the three major conservation areas. In Queen Elizabeth, numbers had already fallen from 206 to 144 over the previous decade.
The UWA statement lists the main threats as habitat loss, retaliatory killings, poisoning, snaring, declining prey and illegal trade in wildlife body parts. Several have been documented.
In March 2021, six lions were found dead in the Ishasha sector with most of their body parts missing. Two men were later convicted, and a court sentenced them to 17 years each in prison. That attack followed the 2018 deaths of eleven lions, including eight cubs, near Hamukungu fishing village.
Snares set for bushmeat also catch lions. Researchers have reported that lions were being poached in Kidepo, with several carcasses recovered during a 2022 survey.
The taskforce will support Uganda’s Strategic Action Plan for Large Carnivore Conservation (2024–2034). The plan aims to raise viable large carnivore populations by 30 per cent over ten years and cut poaching by at least 50 per cent. It stresses habitat protection, reducing human-wildlife conflict, involving neighbouring communities, and stronger research and monitoring.
“This Panel will review ongoing conservation work, advise on priority interventions, identify emerging threats and help mobilise resources. UWA will act as its secretariat and work with the Ministry and conservation partners to follow up on recommendations. The Minister said the group was deliberately assembled to bring together people with different skills and experience,” Hon Butime stated.
UWA also stated that the move also builds on Uganda’s commitments under the African Carnivores Initiative.
Michael Keigwin, MBE, Founder Trustee and Director of the Uganda Conservation Foundation, will chair the taskforce. The other members are Dr Alex Braczkowski, Prof. Charles Masembe, Mr Charles Tumwesigye, Dr Simon Nampindo, Dr Ludwig Siefert, Mr Candia Leone, Prof. Moses Muhumuza and Mr Benon Ssebina Katumba.
Dr Braczkowski led the recent six-park survey and is a research fellow at Griffith University in Australia. His inclusion links the taskforce directly to the science behind the recent findings.
The tourism stakes are high. One study of the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area estimated that each lion generates at least US$14,000 a year in ecotourism revenue.
UWA said it welcomes the taskforce and looks forward to working with its members, conservation partners, tourism operators and communities living next to protected areas “to ensure that lions and other large carnivores continue to thrive.”