The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) have agreed to enter into a collaborative park management arrangement that will see AWF inject up to $21 million (Shs78.8 billion) into the conservation management of Kidepo Valley National Park.
Kidepo Valley National Park, located in northeastern Uganda’s Karamoja region, spans vast rugged savannah at the foothills of Mount Morungole and is traversed by the Kidepo and Narus rivers.
The specific details of how the two entities will jointly manage the park remain limited. However, in an April 9, 2026 letter, which this newspaper has seen, and was addressed to the AWF Country Director, UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi noted that the UWA Board of Trustees had already endorsed the proposal and that UWA was ready to enter into the partnership.
‘Refer to your letter of 12th March 2026 submitting the Collaborative Management Partnership (CMP) proposal for the Kidepo Valley. Following your presentation of the proposed CMP to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Board of Trustees on 08th April 2026, the Board, vide MIN6/46/BOT10/2026 approved the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape CMP and authorized UWA to work with AWF to develop a detailed Business Plan to facilitate fundraising and implementation of the CMP,’ the letter signed by Mr Musinguzi in part reads.
Mr Musinguzi said following clearance by the UWA Board of Trustees, management is ready to engage the AWF team to work together in protecting wildlife species in Kidepo Valley National Park. He emphasized that the partnership is crucial because it enhances management effectiveness not only in the park but also in the Karenga Community Wildlife Management Area, targeted Central Forest Reserves, and other biodiversity hotspots within the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape.
‘Together, we aim to transform the KVCL into a resilient ecosystem and sustainable protected area that contributes to Uganda’s socio-economic development while promoting conservation and sustainable livelihoods for local communities,’ he said.
What is on offer?
Attempts to obtain clarification from AWF Uganda Country Director Rose Ssebutnidira on the detailed plan were unsuccessful.
However, under the proposed collaborative management framework, AWF will inject up to Shs78.8 billion over the next 10 years, with Shs3.8 billion disbursed immediately once the agreement is signed, and the remainder spread across the decade.
AWF already runs several programmes in Uganda, including anti-poaching and counter-trafficking, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and promoting conservation education around protected areas. For example, under its Canines for Conservation initiative, AWF deployed trained sniffer dogs and handlers at Entebbe International Airport to detect illegal wildlife products. In wildlife crime prosecution, AWF has partnered with UWA and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to train officials in combating wildlife crime.
In human-wildlife conflict mitigation, AWF equips local scouts with deterrent tools such as Roman candles and protective gear in hotspots like Kidepo, Queen Elizabeth, and Murchison Falls. It has also introduced climate-resilient, wildlife-friendly farming practices, such as sustainable chili and cotton, to reduce crop raiding by elephants and provide alternative income for frontier communities.
UWA highlighted AWF’s proven expertise in mobilizing large-scale conservation financing, facilitating master planning, and implementing people-centered, conflict-sensitive landscape approaches.
‘We are confident that AWF’s experience in transboundary and landscape-level conservation, strategic partnerships, and investment mobilization will be instrumental in achieving the goals of the CMP,’ Mr Musinguzi said.
He added that UWA has committed, subject to approval by the Attorney General, to enter into a long-term co-management agreement with AWF for the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape. This will include jointly implementing the Integrated Co-Management (ICM) agreement, supporting CMP fundraising efforts, and allocating key staff for implementation.
‘We recognize the importance of establishing a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to ensure transparent management of CMP funds, efficient implementation, and scalable investment. The SPV will, among others, serve as a dedicated structure to oversee CMP implementation, reporting to the UWA Board of Trustees through the Executive Director of UWA,’ he said.
‘We appreciate AWF’s immediate commitment of USD 1 million to initiate the CMP design and implementation and its pledge of USD 20 million over the next 10 years. This investment will play a pivotal role in achieving our shared vision for the KVCL. We therefore authorize AWF to use this communication in pursuing any further steps that may require our commitments before we jointly sign a cooperation framework, and we further look forward to a fruitful collaboration and the successful implementation of the CMP,’ Mr Musinguzi said.