The Government has launched a five-year US$4 million project aimed at strengthening biodiversity conservation and improving livelihoods in communities surrounding Kidepo Valley Conservation Area.
The Kidepo Landscape Integrated Conservation and Development Project (KLICDP 2026–2030) was launched in Kitgum District on August 6, with the initiative targeting seven districts in and around the Kidepo landscape.
The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and will be implemented by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
It will focus on some of the major threats facing the conservation landscape, including human-wildlife conflict, poaching, invasive species and wildfires, while supporting communities whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.
The launch at Little Palace Hotel in Kitgum brought together district leaders, conservation stakeholders, development partners and government officials.
Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Minister Rt. Hon. Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, who officially launched the project alongside State Minister for Tourism Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, urged local leaders to support its implementation.
“There are complex challenges that no single institution can solve alone but require partnership, shared vision with the communities and development partners,” Butime said.
He said the project would provide an opportunity for government, conservation agencies, local authorities and communities to work together in addressing threats to wildlife and improving livelihoods.
Butime also pointed to government investments in infrastructure intended to improve access to the region, including the ongoing construction of Kidepo International Airport and the planned Kitgum–Karenga Road.
He said better transport infrastructure would increase tourist arrivals and create opportunities for local communities to benefit from tourism.
Karenga backs electric fencing
Meanwhile, leaders and communities in Karenga District have endorsed the construction of electric fencing along wildlife conflict hotspots bordering Kidepo Valley Conservation Area.
The decision was reached during a stakeholder engagement organised by UWA and chaired by Butime at Bada Sudan Hotel in Karenga on August 6.
The meeting brought together area Member of Parliament Datom Ben Koriang, Karenga District LC V Chairperson, district councillors, LC III chairpersons from sub-counties neighbouring the conservation area, technical officials and community representatives.
The discussions followed increasing complaints over crop destruction, injuries and deaths linked to wild animals straying out of the conservation area.
Residents in the district have repeatedly raised concerns about elephants and other wildlife destroying crops and threatening communities living near the protected area.
The electric fencing is being implemented following a directive by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to address the persistent human-wildlife conflict.
Sections of the fence have already been installed in Lokori, with further works expected to cover other identified hotspots.
The fencing is expected to help keep wildlife within the conservation area while protecting farms and settlements outside the protected landscape.
The conservation project and fencing initiative form part of broader efforts to balance wildlife protection with the welfare of communities living alongside Uganda’s protected areas.
