KAMPALA, Uganda — A comprehensive study on wildlife corridors within the Greater Virunga Landscape revealed that while most ecological pathways remain functional, habitat degradation, poaching and human-wildlife conflict continue to threaten conservation gains across Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Released by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration and partners, the study assessed 20 wildlife corridors supporting four key species: elephants, lions, chimpanzees and mountain gorillas.
At a launch event at the Sheraton Hotel Kampala, conservation experts, government officials and diplomats urged stronger investment in Uganda’s conservation landscapes and deeper recognition of the economic and cultural value of these pathways.
“We should not only look at corridors as pathways for animals, but also as systems that provide critical ecosystem services for communities and national development,” said Ivan Tumuhimbise, country director of WWF Uganda.
Tumuhimbise noted that wildlife corridors play a critical role in water regulation, flood control, drought resilience, soil health and fire management. He added that future efforts must demonstrate “what communities give to conservation and what they gain from it.”
According to WWF presentations, ecosystem services within the landscape are valued at billions of euros annually, with nature-based tourism contributing significantly to Uganda’s economy and employment.
Mugabe Michael, a wildlife officer representing the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, said Uganda is strengthening its policy and legal frameworks to address these emerging challenges.
“These issues were not adequately captured in the earlier policy framework, but they are now being addressed in the ongoing review process,” Mugabe said, adding that wildlife habitats must be protected to sustain government revenue generated by tourism.
The study found that 75% of the assessed corridors remain natural and functional, enabling ecological connectivity between protected areas. However, five corridors were identified as potentially dysfunctional due to habitat destruction and increasing human pressure.
Tremayne Stanton-Kennedy, climate and nature lead at the British High Commission in Uganda, underscored the importance of integrating ecological, economic and cultural perspectives in conservation planning, calling for expanded outreach to policymakers, investors and the private sector. She also acknowledged the United Kingdom’s continued support for anti-poaching initiatives, climate research and sustainable financing in the region.
The study established that elephant and mountain gorilla populations within the landscape are increasing, while chimpanzee populations remain relatively stable. Conversely, lion populations are declining.
According to the report, elephants were the most widely distributed species, potentially utilizing almost all assessed corridors except the Kalinzu-Kasyoha Kitomi corridor. Lions were concentrated mainly in the northern and Ishasha sectors of Queen Elizabeth National Park and the southern sector of Virunga National Park.
Chimpanzees were documented in six corridors, including the Virunga-Semuliki corridor, while mountain gorilla movement was documented between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Sarambwe Nature Reserve, as well as within the Virunga Massif.
Solani Mhango, WWF Africa’s director for conservation impact, called for clearer and standardized criteria for assessing these pathways. “Consistency in assessment is very important. We need clear criteria that align with international frameworks like the IUCN guidelines,” Mhango said.
Mapping from 2025 revealed that nearly half of the identified corridors have been affected by habitat loss, particularly within Virunga National Park, Kasyoha Kitomi Forest Reserve and areas around the Kyambura Gorge corridor.
Poaching remains prevalent in several corridors, including Ishasha, Muhokya, Bwera and the north and south Virunga corridors, based on historical ranger monitoring data. However, recent data from the Queen Elizabeth Protected Area showed a decline in poaching incidents from 605 cases in 2019 to 178 in 2022, following strengthened law enforcement and electric fencing.
The study found that elephants were responsible for the majority of human-wildlife conflict incidents, causing crop destruction, livestock loss and property damage. Affected communities expressed preferences for compensation schemes, community conservation projects and physical barriers like electric fences.
Stakeholders at the dialogue raised concerns about increasing private sector activities in and around wildlife corridors. Participants called for mandatory Environmental and Social Impact Assessments for all projects in ecologically sensitive areas, to be reviewed and approved by the National Environment Management Authority.
Dr. Grace Nangendo, an ecology assessment specialist, called for long-term monitoring and sustained financing for wildlife corridors instead of short-term project cycles. “We are not only looking at corridors with potential, but also those that are already functioning well and supporting wildlife species,” she said.
To strengthen wildlife corridor conservation, the study recommended intensified law enforcement, restoration of degraded habitats, increased community engagement, expanded electric fencing, strengthened compensation schemes and a review of collaborative forest management practices, including eucalyptus and pine planting, which may negatively affect wildlife movement.
