KITGUM, August 6, 2026 — The Government of Uganda, through the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), has launched the Kidepo Landscape Integrated Conservation and Development Project (KLICDP 2026–2030), a five-year, US$4 million initiative aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation while improving livelihoods in communities surrounding Kidepo Valley National Park and the Karenga Wildlife Corridor.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the project will be implemented across seven districts and will focus on addressing major conservation challenges, including human-wildlife conflict, poaching, invasive species and wildfires.
The project was launched at Little Palace Hotel in Kitgum District and brought together district leaders, government officials, development partners and conservation stakeholders.
The initiative was officially launched by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. (Rtd) Col. Tom Butime, accompanied by the State Minister for Tourism, Hon. Susan Nakuwuki Nsambu.
Hon. Butime urged district leaders and other stakeholders to fully support the project, describing it as a critical investment in addressing the complex conservation and development challenges facing the Kidepo landscape.
“There are complex challenges that no single institution can solve alone but require partnership, shared vision with the communities and development partners,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing government investments in tourism infrastructure, including the construction of Kidepo International Airport and the planned Kitgum–Karenga Road.
He noted that improved transport infrastructure would enhance accessibility to the region, increase tourist arrivals and create opportunities for local communities to benefit from tourism and related economic activities.
The KLICDP is expected to strengthen collaboration among government institutions, local governments, conservation organisations and communities in protecting the region’s biodiversity while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The project will therefore seek to strike a balance between conservation and community development, recognising the important role of local communities in protecting wildlife and natural resources within the Kidepo landscape.
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