New UWA-AWF Deal to Inject Over Shs78 Billion into Kidepo National Park

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) have agreed to enter into a collaborative park management arrangement that will see AWF inject up to $21 million (Shs78.8 billion) into the conservation management of Kidepo Valley National Park. Kidepo Valley National Park, located in northeastern Uganda’s Karamoja region, spans vast rugged savannah at the foothills of Mount Morungole and is traversed by the Kidepo and Narus rivers.

The specific details of how the two entities will jointly manage the park remain scanty. However, in an April 9, 2026 letter, which this newspaper has seen, and was addressed to the AWF country director, UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi, noted that the UWA Board of Trustees had already endorsed the proposal and that UWA was ready to enter into the partnership. “Refer to your letter of March 12, 2026 submitting the collaborative management partnership (CMP) proposal for the Kidepo Valley. Following your presentation of the proposed CMP to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Board of Trustees on April 8, 2026, the Board, vide MIN6/46/BOT10/2026, approved the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape CMP and authorised UWA to work with AWF to develop a detailed business plan to facilitate fundraising and implementation of the CMP,” the letter signed by Mr Musinguzi reads in part.

Mr Musinguzi said following clearance by the UWA Board of Trustees, management is ready to engage the AWF team to work together in protecting wildlife species in Kidepo Valley National Park. He emphasised that the partnership is crucial because it enhances management effectiveness, not only in the park but also in the Karenga Community Wildlife Management Area, targeted central forest reserves, and other biodiversity hotspots within the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape (KVCL).

“Together, we aim to transform the KVCL into a resilient ecosystem and sustainable protected area that contributes to Uganda’s socio-economic development, while promoting conservation and sustainable livelihoods for local communities,” Mr Musinguzi said.

What is on offer?

Attempts to obtain clarification from AWF Uganda Country Director Rose Ssebutindira on the detailed plan were unsuccessful. However, under the proposed collaborative management framework, AWF will inject up to Shs78.8 billion over the next 10 years, with Shs3.8 billion disbursed immediately once the agreement is signed, and the remainder spread across the decade. AWF already runs several programmes in Uganda, including anti-poaching and counter-trafficking, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and promoting conservation education around protected areas. For example, under its Canines for Conservation initiative, AWF deployed trained sniffer dogs and handlers at Entebbe International Airport to detect illegal wildlife products.

In wildlife crime prosecution, AWF has partnered with UWA and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to train officials in combating wildlife crime.

In human-wildlife conflict mitigation, AWF equips local scouts with deterrent tools such as Roman candles and protective gear in hotspots like Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. It has also introduced climate-resilient, wildlife-friendly farming practices, such as sustainable chili and cotton, to reduce crop raiding by elephants and provide alternative income for frontier communities.

Mr Musinguzi said UWA has committed, subject to approval by the Attorney General, to enter into a long-term co-management agreement with AWF for the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape.