MURCHISON FALLS — Rangers from Kidepo Valley National Park have retained the Uganda Wildlife Ranger Challenge title for the fourth consecutive year after winning Saturday’s 21-kilometre endurance race at Murchison Falls National Park.
Kidepo emerged ahead of teams from several protected areas that participated in the annual challenge, which tests the physical endurance, resilience and teamwork of wildlife rangers involved in frontline conservation.
Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve finished second in its first appearance in the competition, while Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary took third place in the men’s category. Queen Elizabeth National Park finished third in the women’s category.
The race required male rangers to carry 20 kilogrammes of posho, while their female counterparts carried 10 kilogrammes over the 21-kilometre course.
The loads were intended to reflect some of the physical demands rangers encounter during patrols and other duties in Uganda’s protected areas.
Kidepo’s victory extends a winning run that began in 2023. The park also won the Ugandan competition in 2024 and 2025, making Saturday’s result its fourth consecutive title.
The annual event was organised with support from the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF), alongside partners including the European Union, Marasa and Nile Breweries.
Beyond the competition, the Wildlife Ranger Challenge seeks to draw attention to the work and welfare of rangers who protect wildlife and natural habitats under demanding conditions.
The 2026 international challenge was scheduled for September 19, bringing together more than 200 ranger teams from 24 African countries.
The continental campaign, launched in 2020, has grown into an initiative that supports ranger welfare, training, equipment and other frontline conservation needs.
In Uganda, participating teams represented a number of national parks and wildlife areas, including Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth.
For Kidepo, the latest victory maintains its position as Uganda’s leading team in the annual challenge, while Pian Upe’s second-place finish marked a notable debut for the wildlife reserve.
The Uganda Conservation Foundation has worked with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and ranger teams in several protected areas, using the challenge to recognise the contribution of rangers and mobilise broader support for conservation work.