Guardians of the Wild: How Ugandan Women Are Leading a New Era of Wildlife Conservation

Queen Elizabeth National Park / Uganda. A Quiet Revolution in the Savannah

As dawn spreads across the golden plains of western Uganda, the rhythmic sound of footsteps breaks the silence — not from elephants or antelope, but from a new generation of protectors. Dressed in olive-green ranger uniforms, binoculars slung over their shoulders, these women are rewriting Uganda’s conservation story.

Once a male-dominated field, wildlife conservation in Uganda is now seeing a surge of female leadership — from rangers and researchers to park managers and community educators. Their work is reshaping how the country safeguards its natural heritage while empowering local communities.

“We’re not just protecting animals; we’re protecting the future,” says Beatrice Katusiime, a senior ranger at Queen Elizabeth National Park. “When women lead in conservation, families and ecosystems thrive together.”

Breaking Barriers in the Wild

Over the past decade, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has prioritized gender inclusion — opening doors for women in roles that were once out of reach. Today, more than 32% of UWA’s field workforce are women, compared to just 5% in 2010.

From the anti-poaching patrols in Murchison Falls National Park to chimpanzee monitoring in Kibale Forest, women are proving essential to conservation success. Their communication skills, community trust, and conflict-resolution abilities have helped reduce human–wildlife tensions across buffer zones.

“When communities see mothers, sisters, and daughters in uniform, they listen differently,” explains Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda’s pioneering wildlife veterinarian and founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH).

Women on the Frontlines

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park — home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas — women rangers play a crucial role in gorilla monitoring and eco-tourism operations.

One such ranger, Agnes Namatovu, recalls her journey:

“At first, people laughed when I joined the ranger force. They said it was men’s work. Now, tourists thank me for keeping them safe — and for protecting the gorillas.”

Agnes’ story mirrors a wider shift: women are no longer the exception in Uganda’s conservation workforce; they are the backbone of a growing movement toward inclusive, community-based protection.

Conservation Meets Community

Uganda’s women conservationists also bridge the gap between wildlife protection and local livelihoods.

In the Lake Mburo region, women’s groups have launched eco-friendly beekeeping and handicraft projects that generate income while deterring poaching. Others, like Ride 4 a Woman in Bwindi, blend tourism, crafts, and education to support over 300 women and their families.

“When conservation benefits women, everyone wins — the people and the planet,” says Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka, whose organization integrates wildlife health with community health and family planning.

Science, Policy, and the Next Generation

Beyond the field, Ugandan women are also leading in conservation science and policy.

At Makerere University, young researchers like Dr. Rachel Nabunya are using drone technology and AI data mapping to track wildlife corridors threatened by climate change. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has appointed more women to senior management roles, signaling a cultural shift at the top.

“We are building a pipeline of future conservation leaders,” says Susan Namutebi, head of Gender and Community Affairs at UWA. “Our daughters should see the wild as a workplace — not a frontier.”

Challenges and Courage

Despite progress, women in conservation still face challenges — from gender bias to harsh field conditions and limited funding for women-led initiatives. Yet, their resilience continues to inspire new generations.

“Every time I look into the eyes of a mountain gorilla, I’m reminded why this work matters,” says ranger Agnes. “We protect them — and they protect our purpose.”

The Urban Gazette View: Women, Wildlife, and the Future

Uganda’s conservation renaissance is being written by the hands of women who refuse to be silent. Their leadership offers lessons for Africa and the world:

That sustainability is not only about protecting nature but also about empowering those who nurture it.

That gender equity can coexist with environmental excellence.

That the wild has no future without women at its heart.

As Uganda continues to balance tourism, development, and conservation, its women in uniform — and in research labs, policy offices, and villages — remind us that true guardianship is as much about courage as it is about compassion.

🦓 Key Facts About Uganda’s Women in Conservation — By the Numbers (2025)

👩🏾 32% of Uganda Wildlife Authority field rangers are women

🐘 15+ all-female patrol units operating nationwide

🦍 3 major women-led NGOs focused on gorilla conservation

🎓 40% of new recruits in conservation science programs are women

🌿 $2.8M invested in gender-inclusive conservation projects (2022–2025)