The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced that Shs 1.5 billion meant for communities neighboring Queen Elizabeth National Park cannot be released due to the failure of district local governments to account for funds disbursed in the 2023/2024 financial year.
Under the revenue-sharing arrangement, UWA allocates 20% of its annual gate collections to districts bordering national parks and game reserves. The funds are intended to support communities frequently affected by wildlife, particularly elephants that damage crops and property.
Captain John Tugume, Chief Executive Officer of Queen Elizabeth National Park, said the Authority is ready to disburse the Shs 1.5 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year but is legally prevented from doing so.
“We are holding Shs 1.5 billion in revenue-sharing funds for sub-counties neighboring the park. These funds are critical for communities impacted by wildlife, but we cannot release them until accountability for last year’s Shs 1.2 billion is provided,” Tugume said.
Last year, UWA disbursed Shs 1.2 billion to eight districts near Queen Elizabeth National Park. However, the respective Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) have not submitted the required accountability, blocking the release of subsequent funds.
The districts yet to account for the funds are Ibanda, Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri, Mitoma, Kitagwenda, Kanungu, and Kamwenge.
Once released, the funds are channeled through Community Development Officers (CDOs), who identify beneficiary groups in sub-counties adjacent to the park.
The funds support income-generating projects such as beekeeping, goat rearing, piggery, and dairy farming, initiatives designed to improve livelihoods and compensate for wildlife-related damages.
Captain Tugume emphasized that revenue sharing is a key tool for strengthening UWA’s relationship with communities surrounding protected areas.
He also highlighted a positive trend at the park, noting that Queen Elizabeth National Park recorded significant growth in tourism.
Visitor numbers rose to 128,608 in FY 2024/2025, up from 90,851 the previous year. Revenue also increased to Shs 8.77 billion from Shs 7.74 billion, an increment of over Shs 1 billion.
Captain Tugume was speaking to District Communication Officers from districts bordering national parks and wildlife reserves during their familiarization tour of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
He urged them to work closely with CAOs in their districts to ensure accountability, enabling the delayed funds to finally reach the intended communities.
