conservation 12 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Wildlife Authority launches 10-year plan to revive Ishasha's dwindling lion population
Facing a critical decline with only two female lions remaining in Ishasha, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has partnered with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to implement a decade-long recovery strategy. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uwa-launches-10-year-recovery-plan-over-declining-lion-population-in-ishasha-5593282
The Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park, once famous for its tree-climbing lions, is now home to just two females of the species. This alarming drop has prompted the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to launch a comprehensive 10-year recovery plan.
The initiative, aimed at revitalizing the iconic lion population, is projected to attract approximately $14 million in investment. The initial five years will concentrate on enhancing the ecological conditions essential for wildlife, particularly lions, to thrive.
UWA officials attribute the decline to several factors, including human-wildlife conflict, lions straying from the protected area, and breeding challenges. “The population that could be in Ishasha is either moving away, being killed or not breeding,” stated John Makombo, UWA commissioner for biodiversity management. Lions that prey on livestock in adjacent communities often face retaliation, including poisoning.
Despite the urgency, WCS has indicated that direct lion reintroduction will not be the immediate focus. Dr. Simon Takozekibi Nampindo, representing WCS, explained that the priority is to first mitigate existing threats, improve community relations, and restore habitats. “We plan to work as hard as we can to first prevail over the threats, improve community relations, and also improve the habitat,” he said.
With a sufficient prey base already present, the partners will concentrate on wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and reducing human-wildlife conflict. If these efforts prove successful, the introduction of wild female lions from other areas, such as Murchison Falls National Park, may be considered to supplement the existing population.
The broader 10-year partnership will also encompass other wildlife like elephants and buffaloes, integrating habitat restoration with anti-poaching measures and tourism development. A six-member committee, with three representatives from UWA and three from WCS, has been established to oversee the plan’s implementation and monitor progress.