Statement on the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape Collaborative Management Partnership (KVCL CMP)
Lokumoit Gate marks the entrance to Kidepo Valley National Park, one of Uganda’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) are in the process of developing a Collaborative Management Partnership (CMP) for the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape. This follows the approval of the UWA Board of Trustees for the two institutions to develop a Collaborative Management Partnership for the landscape.
The partnership builds on more than three decades of collaboration between UWA and AWF to conserve Uganda's wildlife and protected areas. The CMP ties together conservation with economic growth for the region and represents the next phase of this long-standing partnership. It will focus on improving protected area management, advancing species conservation, supporting community-led conservation and livelihoods, supporting efforts against wildlife crime, and promoting sustainable development and investment in the landscape.
The two organizations are currently engaged in a consultative design process to develop a partnership framework that will strengthen the conservation and sustainable management of the Kidepo Valley Conservation Landscape. The proposed partnership seeks to mobilize additional financial and technical resources, strengthen institutional capacity, improve conservation outcomes, and create greater socioeconomic opportunities for communities living within and around the landscape.
The process remains ongoing and will be subject to the necessary Government of Uganda review and approval processes.
Important Information Regarding the Proposed CMP
The Government of Uganda will retain full ownership and management authority. Kidepo Valley National Park and all protected areas within the conservation landscape remain the property of the Government of Uganda and will continue to be managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in accordance with the Uganda Wildlife Act, Cap. 315, and all other applicable laws. The proposed CMP does not constitute the sale, lease, privatization, transfer of ownership, or transfer of management authority over Kidepo Valley National Park or any other protected area.
The proposed CMP seeks to mobilize sustainable financing, strengthen biodiversity conservation, improve landscape management, enhance sustainable development.
Communities and stakeholders remain central to the process. The proposed CMP is founded on the principles of collaboration, transparency, participation, and shared responsibility. Communities, local leaders, cultural institutions, district local governments, development partners and other stakeholders will continue to be consulted and engaged throughout the design and implementation of the partnership through established government and community engagement structures.
UWA and AWF remain committed to maintaining open, transparent, and continuous communication throughout the development of the proposed Collaborative Management Partnership.
Stakeholders will continue to receive updates through official communication channels as the process progresses.
About the Uganda Wildlife Authority
The Uganda Wildlife Authority is the government agency mandated to conserve, protect, and sustainably manage Uganda's wildlife resources both inside and outside protected areas. UWA manages Uganda's network of national parks, wildlife reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, and community conservation areas while promoting sustainable wildlife utilization for the benefit of present and future generations.
About the African Wildlife Foundation
The African Wildlife Foundation is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and wild lands in Africa. Founded in 1961 during Africa's independence movement, AWF works to ensure wildlife and wild lands thrive in modern Africa by combining science, policy, conservation practice, and community partnerships to deliver lasting benefits for people and nature.
Media Contacts
Uganda Wildlife Authority
Bashir Hangi
Assistant Commissioner – Communications
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +256 772 446 115
African Wildlife Foundation
Nashipae Orumoy
Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +254 701 864 021