Uganda, one of the world’s top ten most diverse countries, is regarded as an ideal habitat for wildlife due to its diverse ecosystems.
Tropical rainforests, savannah, mountains, wetlands, and large freshwater lakes make up the Pearl of Africa, providing a diverse range of food sources and environments for a variety of species.
These species include primates such as gorillas and chimps, large mammals such as elephants and lions, and a variety of birds. The landscape is further enhanced by its proximity to the equator, which provides a stable tropical climate conducive to plant and animal growth.
In his 1908 book, “My African Journey,” Sir Winston Churchill “baptized” Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa,” citing all of the aforementioned characteristics.
World Wildlife Day
Uganda celebrated World Wildlife Day 2025 on March 3, with the national event taking place in Lira City.
Conservationists, officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, government officials, and other leaders all attended the event.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in a message delivered by Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, advised citizens not to engage in activities such as encroaching on wildlife conservation areas, draining wetlands, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and trafficking in wildlife and wildlife products.
Museveni emphasized better practices such as supporting the restoration of degraded habitats, tree planting, and restoration programs that include the use of sustainable farming practices that do not harm wildlife ecosystems.
Speaking at the event, Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director James Musinguzi stated, “We are currently focusing on full recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a number of activities taking place.”
Musinguzi cited the launch of a ten-year wildlife conservation strategy last month.
Under corporate social responsibility, he announced that UWA has allocated shs50 million to rehabilitate Apala B Primary School in Oyam district.
Wild animals from Murchison National Park invaded the school, destroying the majority of its buildings.
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul has requested that the government, through Parliament, allocate sufficient funds to support conservation and the environment.
Last year, Uganda received approximately 1.3 million visitors, resulting in social, economic, and environmental benefits.
According to UN Tourism, 1.1 billion tourists traveled internationally in the first nine months of 2024, and the global tourism sector has recovered to 98% of pre-pandemic levels.
UN Tourism expects a complete recovery by the end of 2025.
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