conservation 12 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Wildlife Authority Recruits Military to Fortify Mt. Elgon National Park Defenses
Facing escalating threats of encroachment, poaching, and violence against rangers, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is collaborating with the military to enhance security measures in Mt. Elgon National Park. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uwa-turns-to-the-military-to-save-elgon-national-park-5493740
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is set to deploy Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers around Mt. Elgon National Park in an intensified effort to curb illegal activities and protect the park’s fragile ecosystem. This strategic alliance comes in response to persistent issues such as illegal cultivation, logging, and poaching, which have long plagued the region.
UWA officials have stated that park rangers have faced significant danger, with several injured and some even killed while on duty. To address this, 4,000 UPDF soldiers are undergoing training to support conservation law enforcement and secure the park boundaries. “The people want a hard way. We have invited 4,000 UPDF soldiers to join us to protect Mt Elgon,” stated Mr. David Musingo, UWA Commissioner for Community Conservation.
While acknowledging the necessity of a stronger military presence, Musingo also highlighted that education and community engagement remain crucial for long-term conservation success. The recently inaugurated Mbale Satellite Centre of the Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservation Centre (UWECC) is intended to serve as a hub for sensitizing local communities about the importance of wildlife conservation and the economic benefits of tourism.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the declining population of black-and-white colobus monkeys in the park, with their hunting for traditional Imbalu circumcision regalia identified as a primary cause. UWA plans to address this through repopulation efforts and potentially providing alternative materials for the attire.
The new Mbale Wildlife Centre, operational since 2024, aims to boost tourism in eastern Uganda. It features a variety of animals and is designed to function as both a zoo and an educational facility, encouraging visitors to explore other attractions in the Bugisu and Sebei regions. Despite its potential, tourism earnings in the area remain significantly lower than in more established parks like Bwindi and Murchison Falls.
Local stakeholders have welcomed the Mbale Wildlife Centre, viewing it as a significant step towards developing tourism products in eastern Uganda. Schools also anticipate reduced costs for educational field trips, previously requiring long journeys to Entebbe.
However, challenges persist. Residents have appealed for UWA’s assistance in managing crop destruction by birds, and there are ongoing public concerns about the potential safety risks posed by newly introduced wildlife. Addressing these issues, alongside providing alternatives for traditional Imbalu headgear, will be vital for comprehensive conservation success.