The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has unveiled a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, and community engagement as Uganda positions itself as a leading eco-tourism destination in Africa.
The announcements were made during the recently concluded Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) 2026, where UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi highlighted the importance of balancing tourism growth with conservation and climate resilience.
Held from May 21 to May 23 at the Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, the 10th edition of the expo brought together more than 1,500 delegates, international travel buyers, tour operators, investors, and tourism stakeholders under the theme “Wanderlust.”
Speaking during a panel discussion on “Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Destination in the Wanderlust Era,” Dr. Musinguzi emphasized the need for collective action in protecting Uganda’s natural heritage amid growing climate challenges.
“We are launching the Friends of UWA movement to involve stakeholders in tackling climate change challenges such as invasive species and waste management,” he said.
He added that the authority is also planning to procure a biodigester and establish a carnival regeneration task force aimed at promoting cleaner and more sustainable tourism activities.
Dr. Musinguzi further revealed that UWA is prioritizing the rehabilitation and maintenance of roads within protected areas to improve accessibility for tourists, researchers, and conservation teams.
“All roads within protected areas will be worked on, and UWA is collaborating with the Ministry of Works and Transport to ensure they remain accessible throughout the year,” he noted.
The move is expected to improve visitor experiences in national parks while supporting conservation operations and boosting tourism-related investments across the country.
On community empowerment, Dr. Musinguzi disclosed that the authority is reviewing the 20 percent tourism revenue-sharing scheme to enhance transparency and ensure surrounding communities benefit more directly from conservation efforts.
He stressed that local communities remain central to Uganda’s conservation success and sustainable tourism agenda.
The UWA Executive Director also praised the continued success of the online gorilla permit booking system, describing it as a key milestone in promoting transparency, efficiency, and sustainable tourism management.
The system operates under regulated daily visitor limits to protect mountain gorillas while ensuring visitors enjoy quality experiences in Uganda’s protected areas.
Discussions throughout POATE 2026 reflected Uganda’s broader commitment to promoting responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, and inclusive economic growth.
As the country continues to market itself as the Pearl of Africa, sector players expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between government agencies, communities, and private investors will further elevate Uganda’s competitiveness on the global tourism market.