Uganda has registered notable gains in several wildlife populations over the past three years. Still, new government data shows that lion and elephant numbers are declining, raising fresh concerns about the sustainability of conservation efforts amid growing human pressure on natural habitats.
The newly released State of Wildlife Resources in Uganda Report 2026 indicates that while herbivore species such as buffaloes, zebras and antelopes are recovering, key flagship species, particularly elephants and lions, are on a downward trend.
According to the report, elephant numbers in monitored protected areas fell from 6,621 in 2021-2022 to 6,352 in 2023-2025. Lion populations also declined from 314 to 291 over the same period.
The decline of these high-profile species, often seen as indicators of ecosystem health, comes even as Uganda posts broader conservation successes. Buffalo populations increased significantly from 32,235 to 41,548, while zebras rose from 17,762 to 20,942. Uganda kob, one of the country’s most widespread antelopes, also grew from 166,526 to 175,109.
The report, released by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), presents the most comprehensive snapshot yet of the country’s biodiversity, covering not only mammals but also birds, plants, fungi, reptiles and insects.
Officials say the mixed trends highlight both progress and emerging risks.
‘This report gives us a clear measure of where Uganda is registering returns on conservation investment and where institutional attention must now be intensified,’ UWA Board Chairman Prof. James Kalema said at the launch in Kampala on Tuesday.
Experts say the decline in elephants and lions points to deeper structural challenges, particularly shrinking habitats and increasing human-wildlife conflict.
The report identifies expanding human settlements, agricultural encroachment and infrastructure development as major pressures reducing the ecological space available for wildlife. These factors, combined with habitat fragmentation, are disrupting animal movement and limiting access to food and breeding areas.
Lions, which depend on healthy prey populations and expansive territories, are particularly vulnerable to such disruptions. Elephants, on the other hand, frequently come into conflict with nearby communities as they move beyond protected areas in search of food and water.
The findings suggest that while conservation interventions have been effective in boosting certain species, they are not yet sufficient to address broader ecosystem pressures.
Tourism, one of Uganda’s key foreign exchange earners, could also be affected if declines in iconic species persist. Elephants and lions are among the most sought-after attractions in the country’s national parks, and their reduction may weaken Uganda’s competitive edge as a wildlife destination.
At the same time, the report highlights some conservation successes, including the continued recovery of the southern white rhinoceros population, which grew from 43 to 61 animals under intensive protection and breeding programmes.
Chimpanzee numbers also increased from 5,072 to 6,075, while mountain gorillas remained stable at 459, reinforcing Uganda’s global standing as a key destination for great ape tourism.
However, officials caution that these gains should not overshadow the growing threats facing the broader ecosystem.
The report warns that biodiversity across the country remains under significant and increasing pressure from climate variability, invasive species, illegal wildlife use and continued extraction of forest resources.
It also notes that important plant species, including wild relatives of key food crops such as millet, sorghum and coffee, are under threat, potentially affecting future food security and climate resilience.
Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Minister Col. Tom Butime said the findings underscore the need to view conservation more broadly.
‘Conservation is not only about protecting wild animals. It is equally about safeguarding plant life, habitats and ecological systems that support livelihoods and economic growth,’ he said.
UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi said the agency is increasingly relying on technology-driven approaches such as aerial surveys, digital monitoring systems and satellite tracking to improve wildlife management.
But conservationists argue that technology alone will not reverse the decline of vulnerable species without stronger protection of habitats and better coordination across sectors such as land use planning, agriculture and infrastructure development.
The report ultimately presents a mixed picture: measurable gains in some species alongside worrying declines in others.