The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) are exploring a partnership to promote wildlife conservation, boost tourism and improve community livelihoods by mobilising religious institutions to champion environmental protection.
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a meeting between UWA’s top management and an IRCU delegation at Skyz Hotel in Naguru on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The discussions focused on developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to guide joint conservation awareness campaigns, community engagement, tourism promotion and interventions to address human-wildlife conflict.
UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi emphasised the need for the partnership to deliver practical results, cautioning against signing an agreement without implementing its commitments.
“We don’t want an MoU which is signed and remains on paper. We are going to sign it, develop a work plan and work together,” Musinguzi said.
He proposed starting with a modest, costed programme in two or three pilot locations before expanding the collaboration to other areas.
The draft MoU has been approved in principle, with consideration by UWA’s board and subsequent signing identified as the next steps.
IRCU Board Chairperson Msgr Charles Kasibante highlighted the influential role of churches, mosques, schools and other faith-based institutions in mobilising communities and promoting environmental stewardship.
He noted that religious institutions could use their extensive networks to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and natural resources.
UWA Commissioner for Community Conservation and Ex-situ Services David Musingo encouraged communities to reconnect with nature through his approach of “Connect, Understand and Act” (CUA), explaining that appreciating and understanding the natural environment is essential to protecting it.
Musingo also highlighted UWA’s revenue-sharing programme, under which 20 per cent of gate collection revenue is allocated to communities neighbouring national parks to support livelihood projects and help address human-wildlife conflict.
He cited approximately Shs9 billion earmarked for communities neighbouring Murchison Falls National Park, underscoring the importance of ensuring that conservation delivers tangible benefits to people living alongside protected areas.
The proposed partnership will also explore training religious leaders in wildlife conservation, establishing indigenous and medicinal plant gardens, conducting joint public awareness campaigns, mobilising resources and promoting tourism.
Through the collaboration, UWA and IRCU hope to harness the influence and reach of religious institutions to increase public participation in conservation, encourage peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife, and promote sustainable tourism.
The initiative is also expected to strengthen community involvement in protecting Uganda’s natural heritage while linking conservation efforts to improved livelihoods and broader community development.
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