Museveni decries environmental degradation as Uganda celebrates Wildlife Day

________________

President Yoweri Museveni has decried environmental degradation, which he says is driven by unco-ordinated and unplanned developments, growing human population, deforestation, agricultural expansion and pollution.

The President says this degradation has resulted in the loss of forest cover from 24% in 1900 to about 13% by 2025.

"Similarly, wetland cover decreased from 15.5% in 1994 to 8.9% by 2020."

The President expressed this dismay through a speech delivered by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during Wildlife Day celebrations in Entebbe municipality on March 3, 2026.

"The world is currently facing unprecedented challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, habitat loss and pollution among other threats. It is estimated that extreme weather events cause over $155 billion in damages and economic loss annually," the President added.

He ordered for a halt of the observed degradation and potential depletion of Uganda's natural resources.

The President's call comes a few months after he rescinded his decision to give away part of Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve in Entebbe municipality to Chinese investors. This was through a letter issued to the water and environment minister in December 2025.

"I have been informed that I approved the development of a shopping mall, hotel and a mini city at Kitubulu. This was based on wrong information. This is therefore, to direct you to cancel all titles issued in the Kitubulu Central Forest Reserve. Ensure that the cutting of trees stops immediately," President Museveni directed the ministry.

Miss Tourism, Miss Environment and Miss UWA catching a photo moment with the Batwa and Bakiga of Bwindi, who attended the wildlife day celebrations in Entebbe municipality on Tuesday.

He saluted Entebbe municipality mayor Fabrice Rulinda for standing against what the President termed as selfish and senseless anti-environmental groups.

During Wildlife Day celebrations on Tuesday, Rulinda was recognised and awarded (in absentia) for defending Kitubulu Forest Reserve.

In a speech read by municipality town clerk Emmanuel Mugisha, Rulinda said Entebbe's identity is intertwined with conservation, environmental stewardship, tourism and education.

"When Uganda tells its wildlife story, Entebbe is part of that narrative," the mayor said, further expressing his commitment to protecting the environment.

Ecosystem restoration

Heeding to the President's call, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)  executive director Dr James Musinguzi said they continue to invest in ecosystem restoration, invasive species management and scientific monitoring.

"We are mindful that the conservation landscape is evolving. Climate change, land use pressure and population growth demand innovation, stronger partnerships and sustainable financing," Musinguzi said.

He expressed commitment on behalf of UWA, to align operations to national development frameworks, to ensure that conservation contributes meaningfully to employment, tourism growth and local enterprise.

Meanwhile, this year's celebrations were held under a theme: Medicinal and Aromatic plants: Conserving heritage, health and livelihoods./

Ministry permanent secretary Doreen Katusiime said, the theme resonates with intricate eco-system linkages between plants and animals, plus the contribution of human survival and the economic development of the country.

Tourism minister Tom Butime, who was accompanied by his junior, Martin Mugarra, said medicinal and aromatic plants remain essential to both human health and ecological balance.

"The plants form the foundation of many traditional healthcare systems and contribute to human medicine," Butime said.

According to Butime, the World Health Organisation estimates that 70-95% of the human population in developing countries rely on traditional medicine for primary healthcare.

"We are, therefore, promoting community-based conservation, research and sustainable use of natural resources. We are also supporting the documentation of indigenous knowledge, encouraging the domestication and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants as well as working with traditional healers, researchers and the private sector to promote safe, sustainable and value-added use of these resources," he added.

The celebrations saw several scientists, botanists and environmental defenders awarded. It also saw a group of Batwa people together with the Bakiga travel over 500 kilometres from Ruhija in Mpungu sub-county, Kanungu district, to exhibit their knowledge of different medicines and ornaments. Under their umbrella body, Change A Life- Bwindi, the team carried over 20 different types of medicinal plants, for which they sought preservation.