KAMPALA — Conservation experts have called for stronger investment in scientific research and closer collaboration among stakeholders as Uganda faces growing pressure on its biodiversity and ecosystems.
The appeal was made during the second day of the National Biodiversity and Conservation Research Symposium 2026 held at Nile Resort Hotel in Kampala, where researchers, policymakers, and conservation practitioners shared findings aimed at improving wildlife protection and ecosystem management.
Speaking at the symposium, Dr. Caroline Asiimwe, Assistant Commissioner for Research and Ecological Monitoring at Uganda Wildlife Authority, urged researchers intending to conduct studies in protected areas to follow established procedures, including submitting applications at least two months in advance.
She said this ensures that research aligns with conservation priorities and animal welfare standards.
“Research plays a critical role in informing evidence-based conservation and protected area management,” she said.
Dr. Asiimwe warned that Uganda’s biodiversity is under increasing threat from habitat loss, encroachment, invasive species, and population pressure, noting that expanding human settlements continue to reduce wildlife habitats.
“Our biodiversity is under threat. Uganda Wildlife Authority continues to face many challenges as we serve our mandate of protecting wildlife,” she said, adding that shrinking habitats are worsening human-wildlife conflict.
She pointed to declining populations of lions in Kidepo and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, saying habitat loss is affecting both conservation and the economy.
“From our research we see how habitats are changing, and we are also seeing a decline in our biodiversity,” she said.
Dr. Asiimwe further noted that climate change is intensifying conservation challenges, calling for evidence-based interventions such as improved fencing and stronger community conservation education.
However, she stressed that long-term solutions must be grounded in research to determine what works best.
One of the studies presented at the symposium focused on human-wildlife conflict in Queen Elizabeth National Park and proposed strategies for peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife.
The symposium also discussed captive breeding as a conservation tool for endangered species, with experts warning that such interventions must be carefully assessed for ecological and economic viability.
Dr Emmanuel Akampurira, manager of research at the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Centre, said captive breeding should only be adopted where it is sustainable and supported by evidence.
He also highlighted a gap between research outputs and practical conservation action, saying many findings fail to translate into implementation.
“The problem we currently have is that researchers often produce publications that do not translate into actionable results that can support conservation management,” he said.
John Makombo, Commissioner for Biodiversity Management at Uganda Wildlife Authority, said research remains central to conservation planning and decision-making.
He cited studies in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park that have helped reduce disease transmission between humans and mountain gorillas.
“Part of the research in Bwindi has focused on how we can minimize interactions between gorillas and humans,” he said, noting that interventions have been developed to reduce zoonotic disease risks.
Makombo also referenced anthrax outbreaks around Queen Elizabeth and Lake Mburo National Parks, saying research has guided efforts to separate livestock from wildlife to reduce disease transmission.
He further highlighted climate change impacts, including shifts in species distribution and environmental changes such as the retreat of glaciers in the Rwenzori Mountains.
“The three-horned chameleon used to occur in lower areas of the Rwenzori Mountains, but now it is moving to higher altitudes,” he said.
Makombo called for stronger collaboration between researchers, institutions, communities, and young people in developing conservation solutions.
“Let us collaborate with researchers, communities and institutions of learning. We want to engage young people because they are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
The symposium is expected to generate recommendations to guide future conservation strategies and strengthen partnerships aimed at protecting Uganda’s biodiversity amid increasing environmental pressures.
