Kampala — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially released findings from the 2025 Chimpanzee Census in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, estimating a total population of 426 chimpanzees in the protected area.
The inaugural census was conducted in two phases between May and September 2025, marking the first comprehensive effort to determine the presence, distribution, and conservation status of chimpanzees within Bwindi. The exercise was carried out in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.
Speaking at the unveiling, UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi said the findings provide critical data to guide evidence-based conservation planning and park management.
“The chimpanzee census findings highlight the strategic importance of robust scientific evidence about the presence, distribution, and status of chimpanzees in Bwindi,” Dr Musinguzi noted. “This information strengthens our conservation efforts and supports informed decision-making.”
According to UWA, the results underscore the importance of sustained protection measures and close collaboration with communities surrounding the park. Officials emphasised that intact sections of the park play a vital role in sustaining viable chimpanzee populations.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, globally renowned for its mountain gorillas, is also home to a significant population of eastern chimpanzees and other wildlife species. Conservationists say the census represents a major milestone in expanding research and protection efforts beyond the park’s flagship gorilla tourism.
UWA officials described the census as a foundation for long-term monitoring, adding that continued partnerships with conservation organisations and local communities will be key to safeguarding chimpanzees and their habitats for future generations.
