Uganda Conservation Foundation

16/04/2026

Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) invites applications for the Marketing, Communications, and Media Manager position.

As UCF continues to expand its impact, there is a growing need to strengthen its global visibility, fundraising capacity, and strategic partnerships. Effective marketing, communications, and media engagement are critical to mobilizing resources, engaging donors, and positioning UCF as a leading conservation organisation in Africa.

The Marketing, Communications, and Media Manager will lead the development and implementation of an integrated communications strategy that directly supports fundraising, donor engagement, events, and organisational growth, while enhancing UCF’s brand, visibility, and influence.

Please click the link below to download the detailed job description and application procedures.

https://ugandacf.org/were-hiring-marketing-communications-and-media-manager/

18/03/2026

Incredible scenes and rhino are now back in Kidepo Valley National Park.
Well done everyone!

Uganda Wildlife Authority

18/03/2026

And just like that, rhinos are back on Kidepo’s soil once again! 🦏

Tired and understandably a little disoriented, these two sub-adult males have begun their journey in one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Born at Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch, they are living proof of the success of UWA’s rhino conservation strategy helping restore Uganda’s rhino populations to protected areas.

Reaching this milestone has taken years of careful planning, detailed assessments, and collaboration, with guidance from the IUCN Rhino Specialist Group and approval from the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

Now, Kidepo is their home.

With new sights, unfamiliar scents, and curious neighbours like elephants and buffalo, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. What will the wild residents make of their new companions?

This is only the beginning of their story.

UWA, together with the Morungole Community Conservancy scouts, is already on the ground monitoring closely and ensuring their safety every step of the way.

If you want to visit Kidepo, perhaps visit Wildplaces Africa who have the stunning Apoka Safari lodge. Or, Savannah Safari Lodge https://naturelodgesuganda.com/kidepo-savannah-lodge/



Photos: Paul Hilton/ Global Conservation / UCF
has been supporting and through the Uganda Conservation Foundation over the past decade and it is proud to be part of this historical moment. Images Paul Hilton Photographer for Global Conservation

17/03/2026

Only a few of the Uganda Wildlife Authority vets and rangers supporting the return of rhinos to Kidepo were alive when the last rhino was poached in 1983.

Today, a determined new generation is restoring Uganda’s protected areas and wildlife a generation that truly lives the UWA slogan: “Conserve for Generations.”

Dr. Crispus Singoma, Principal Vet at Kidepo Valley National Park, is no stranger to pushing boundaries. In just three years as a young vet in Murchison Falls, he has rescued over 500 animals from snares and traps. He has also trained at the Zimbabwe Wild Capture Course in Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, supported rhino work in Akagera National Park (Rwanda), and collaborated in Kenya with Dr. Matthew Mutinda.

This morning, Dr. Crispus shared:
“I feel like I am dreaming, this opportunity, this privilege for my country and profession. My heart is pumping so hard… let’s do it!”

Translocating a rhino requires experience and as these images show, Uganda’s teams are more than ready. 450km of careful driving - vets ensuring the rhino are safe.......

We wish the entire team the very best.

As Dr. Eric Enyel, Chief Warden of Kidepo Valley National Park, reflected:

“After 43 years rhino are returning to Kidepo. I come from Lira, not far away, where the rhino is our town’s totem. Rhino will set foot on Karamojas soil once again. The countdown is on. I cannot thank the partners, donors, and former Chief Warden Richard Muhabwe enough.”



Photos: Paul Hilton / Global Conservation / UCF

has been supporting Murchison Falls and Kidepo Valley National Parks through the Uganda Conservation Foundation over the past decade and it is proud of be part of this historical moment. Images for Global Conservation

17/03/2026

Rhinos at Ziwa Rhino & Wildlife Ranch, Uganda, photographed on 16 March 2026.

Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary stands at the center of one of Uganda’s most remarkable conservation recoveries and the return of rhinos to the majestic Kidepo Valley National Park.

Rhinos once roamed widely across the country, but by 1982 they had been wiped out by poaching, armed conflict, and the collapse of wildlife protection.

Ziwa was established in 2005 on the Roy family’s former cattle ranch through a partnership between the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Rhino Fund Uganda, with Captain Joe Roy’s advocacy and fundraising playing a pivotal role. Yvonne Verkaik was also instrumental in leading the programme, alongside Professor Wolfgang Thome, the first Chair of Rhino Fund Uganda.

With international support, two rhinos were sourced from the United States and four from Kenya, marking the beginning of rhino reintroduction in Uganda, with the long-term goal of restoring populations to protected areas.

After two decades of dedicated stewardship by the Roy family, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, and many partners and supporters, the population has grown to 54 rhinos. Translocations back into the wild have now begun. Earlier in 2026, four rhinos were moved to Ajai Wildlife Reserve in West Nile, the former range of the northern white rhino.

Today marks another historic milestone, as eight rhinos begin their translocation to Kidepo Valley National Park, more than 43 years after rhinos were last seen there.

If you'd like to visit Ziwa: https://ziwarhinoandwildliferanch.com/

We acknowledge and thank the many organisations and individuals involved in making the return of rhinos to Kidepo possible:



Photo: Paul Hilton / Global Conservation / UCF

11/03/2026

They tried to smuggle Uganda’s national bird across the border.

But they didn’t succeed.

In a successful intelligence-led operation in Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, supported by the Uganda Conservation Foundation, disrupted a wildlife trafficking network attempting to illegally trade Crested Cranes to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The rescued cranes are now safely in the care of UWA veterinarians and recovering well.

Five suspects have been arrested and will face prosecution.

The Crested Crane is more than just a beautiful bird.

It is a powerful national symbol featured at the centre of Uganda’s flag. Its raised leg represents a country that is always moving forward.

This rescue is a testament to the courage and dedication of the teams working tirelessly to protect Uganda’s wildlife and natural heritage.

But wildlife protection requires constant vigilance, resources, and support.
Every patrol vehicle, investigation, rescue operation, and veterinary intervention helps safeguard the species that make Uganda extraordinary.

If this story inspires you, share it and help raise awareness for wildlife protection.
Thank you to Toyota Uganda CFAO Mobility Uganda for supporting our teams – protecting wildlife, tourism, development and Uganda’s heritage.

Together we can protect what matters most.

09/03/2026

🦏 Rhinos are returning to Kidepo.

Last week marked a major milestone for rhino conservation in Uganda, as the Rhino Sanctuary in Kidepo Valley National Park was officially handed over to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

The 18.2 km² fenced sanctuary is a critical step toward achieving Uganda’s National Rhino Conservation and Management Strategy (2018–2028), restoring rhinos to protected landscapes where they once roamed.

NRT CEO Vishal Shah formally handed over the completion report and sanctuary to Charles Tumwesigye, Commissioner of Field Operations at , marking the beginning of a new chapter in Uganda’s rhino recovery efforts.

In the coming weeks, white rhinos from the successful Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary will be relocated to Kidepo. Having the more placid and easily managed white rhino at first, will help build Uganda’s rhino management capacity before black rhinos follow returning to this landscape after more than 40 years of absence.

This milestone reflects the power of collaboration. The sanctuary fence was funded by Rangelands Trust, with support from partners including the Great Plains Foundation, Rhino Recovery Fund, Gatinais Foundation, WildLandscapes International, Uganda Conservation Foundation, and the European Union through the NaturAfrica programme.

Local communities are central to this effort. Members of the Morungole Community Conservancy are actively involved in the programme from fence construction to supporting broader conservation initiatives across the landscape.
Special thanks to , , , and for helping make this possible.

This milestone highlights the strength of collaboration under the EU NaturAfrica programme, whose support helps create the enabling conditions for the reintroduction of rhinos to the landscape.

08/03/2026

Today, we celebrate the women who have chosen one of the most demanding callings on earth: protecting our wildlife and landscapes.

They endure harsh terrain, extreme weather, and work in environments filled with traps and real danger so animals can continue to roam and ecosystems can flourish.

We applaud these women for rising and shining in what was once a male-dominated field, proving each day the incredible impact they bring to conservation.

Happy Women’s Day to all the women in conservation.

06/03/2026

Under the European Union-funded project, “Supporting New and Existing Community Conservancies, Adjacent Parks and Forests in the Kidepo–Turkana Landscape of Uganda and Kenya,” partners convened in Uganda for three days of engagement, coordination and milestone achievements.

To kick off the week, we held a Steering Committee meeting bringing together representatives of all consortium partners—namely, the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), the Uganda Conservation Foundation, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the National Forestry Authority (NFA), and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI). Discussions focused on reviewing progress so far and identifying priority areas to strengthen collaboration and long-term impact.

The major highlight of the week was the official launch of the project, marked by a colourful ceremony attended by consortium partners, local administrative leaders, and communities from Morungole, Naperotom, Masol and Pellow Community Conservancies. Officials and community representatives from Turkana County were also present, underscoring the project’s cross-border significance. During the event, six motorcycles were handed over to strengthen patrols, logistics and monitoring.

The project also emphasizes the importance of forest protection and community stewardship. Stuart Maniraguha, Acting Executive Director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), encouraged closer collaboration between communities and government institutions. “We encourage communities to work closely with government and the National Forestry Authority in protecting and managing our forests. Conservation of forests benefits everyone, and communities are not just neighbours to these resources — they are the true guardians and stewards of the forest.”

Partners also visited the Joint Operations Command Centre in Geremech, a facility built and equipped by the Uganda Conservation Foundation and jointly operated with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. With additional support from Global Conservation, the March Conservation Fund and NRT, the Centre leverages technology and coordinated systems to enhance wildlife protection, anti-poaching efforts and regional security within the park.

Technology and coordinated operations will play a critical role in safeguarding wildlife across the landscape. Michael Keigwin, CEO of the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF), highlights the importance of innovation in modern conservation efforts. “Technology is becoming central to conservation. The Joint Operations Command Centre is a vital tool for monitoring wildlife, coordinating responses, and strengthening protection efforts across the landscape.”

NRT- the Lead Consortium partner, reaffirmed its commitment to long-term impact. Vishal Shah, CEO of the Northern Rangelands Trust, notes: “This project demonstrates what is possible when partners come together around a shared vision. We appreciate the commitment shown by all stakeholders, and our collective responsibility now is to deliver lasting benefits to communities while safeguarding wildlife and ecosystems.”

On the final day, we toured additional project-supported facilities within the park, including a dam that serves as a critical water point for wildlife. We also assessed progress on a ranger outpost under construction in Opotipot. The week concluded with an interactive session in Kalapata with members of Morungole and Naperotom Community Conservancies, where we exchanged insights on governance, community leadership and how the project is strengthening ecological connectivity and sustainable livelihoods across the landscape.

Reflecting on the week’s engagements, Jonatan Landström, EU Project Lead for NaturAfrica, underscored the importance of community leadership in delivering lasting conservation outcomes. “What impressed me most was the energy and ownership demonstrated by the communities we met. When communities lead conservation, the benefits remain local — strengthening livelihoods, stability and long-term prosperity.”

The engagements highlight the power of collaboration in advancing rhino protection, enhancing conservation systems and empowering communities across the greater Kidepo landscape. With strong partnerships and shared responsibility, the foundation for long-term impact is firmly in place.

13/02/2026

UCF doesn't work in Lake Mburo National Park, but this is a a good read and fascinating. Glad to share it.

Well done Dr Mark Infield!

Beautiful Beasts, Beautiful Lands: The Fall and Rise of an African National Park by Mark Infield (2024) 240 pp., Whittles Publishing, St Albans, UK. ISBN 978-1-84995-562-1 (pbk), GBP 18.99.

13/02/2026

Dr. Nancy is currently completing the Wildlife Capture Course at Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, Zimbabwe - a significant milestone in her journey as one of Uganda’s rising wildlife veterinary leaders.

A huge thank you to Dr. Markus Hofmeyr, a true legend in the wildlife veterinary and rhino management world, for arranging Dr. Nancy’s participation in this prestigious course.

Through Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF), with the support of the Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa , we were proud to support Dr Nancy’s development and field work, including over 300 wildlife rescues in Murchison Falls National Park, involving giraffes, elephants, lions, and other species.

Following her secondment to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Dr Nancy has now been officially appointed as a full-time UWA Veterinary Officer.

She has been assigned to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where she will monitor and protect the health of Mountain Gorillas.

One of UCF’s key roles is to support the next generation of Ugandans — not only by strengthening technical skills, but also by developing future conservation leaders. We are pleased to see Dr. Nancy excel and are confident she will inspire others.

And judging by her dart grouping on the target… Dr Nancy is definitely not to be argued with!

Congratulations Dr Nancy — we are so proud of you!

12/02/2026

This February, we undertook Operation Simba with Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.

The intelligence, experience of the teams, and learning throughout the Recovery of Murchison Falls programme since 2012 prompted this incredibly important effort.

While we rarely publicize individual operations (they happen continuously with consistent success), this effort deserves recognition for the dedication of both UWA and our teams.

Operation Simba results include:

• Seizure of 34 lethal wheel traps (essentially IEDs)
• 74 snares
• 7 spears and other poaching equipment
• Disrupting 22 poachers
• Arresting 3 poachers
• Seizing 16 animal carcasses
• Rescuing 4 other animals, including a lion and giraffe

UCF continues to work hand in hand with UWA in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley Protected Areas.

This is achieved through long-term investments into ranger posts, communication systems, ranger welfare, training and standards, and the veterinary unit, not to mention lion, giraffe, hippo, and elephant conservation.

Underlying it all is our ongoing commitment to supporting community development and the next generation of Ugandan protected area managers and professionals.

Tusk Global Conservation Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa International Elephant Foundation Uganda Wildlife Authority