Uganda Elevates Echuya Forest to National Park, Boosting Conservation

Kampala, Uganda

Conservationists in Uganda are celebrating a major win as the government has officially moved to designate the Echuya Forest Reserve as a national park, a shift that environmental groups say will bolster protection for rare species including small cats and other endemic wildlife.

Echuya, located in western Uganda near the Rwenzori Mountains, is part of the Albertine Rift — a biodiversity hotspot that has faced threats from encroachment, timber extraction, and agricultural expansion. The new status grants the area stronger legal protection, stricter enforcement against illegal logging, and expanded resources for research and eco-tourism development.

Ugandan wildlife authorities noted that the park designation will enable increased funding from international conservation partners, train new forest rangers, and enhance community involvement in sustainable forest management. Conservation NGOs welcomed the move but urged continued vigilance to ensure that local livelihoods and access to critical resources like medicinal plants are protected.

Why It Matters

Echuya’s elevation to national park status represents a landmark conservation achievement for Uganda and the region. With global biodiversity under threat, protected areas like Echuya are vital to safeguarding endangered species and maintaining key ecological services.

What to Watch

• Implementation of park management plans
• Community engagement and alternative livelihood programs
• Eco-tourism infrastructure and funding progress