Uganda Wildlife Authority Surpasses Revenue Target by Shs 11 Billion

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) shattered its financial goals for the 2025/26 financial year, raking in Shs 16.4 billion from tourism-related business arrangements. This performance stands at more than three times the initial target of Shs 5 billion, netting an excess of Shs 11.4 billion even as overall park visitor numbers experienced a downturn.

According to UWA’s Corporate Report 2025/26, the authority recorded 865,805 visitors during the period, reflecting an 8.3 per cent drop from the 943,837 visitors registered in 2024/25. Presenting the figures at a stakeholders’ meeting, UWA executive director Dr James Musunguzi explained that the visitor decline was primarily driven by an earlier Ebola outbreak and unnecessary travel advisories.

Despite these hurdles, revenue from private businesses operating safari lodges, camps, and other facilities within protected areas surged. UWA capitalized on this growth by preparing 19 concession opportunities and identifying 18 investment sites, pushing forward with strategies to strengthen its financial base and contribute to Uganda’s broader economic goals.

Alongside financial successes, UWA reported significant strides in conservation. The authority tackled invasive species across 7,464 hectares, restored 60 hectares of degraded habitats, and successfully translocated 90 animals—including eight southern white rhinos to Ajai Wildlife Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park. Furthermore, UWA has taken on the mandate to restore the heavily degraded Bugoma Central Forest Reserve.

Read more details about this report at The Observer.