The Uganda Wildlife Authority has intensified consultations with communities neighbouring protected areas as it develops a new ten-year wildlife management plan. Leaders in Bunyangabu District have used the engagement to call for improved tourism infrastructure, easier access to conservation benefits, and stronger interventions to address human-wildlife conflict.

Officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority met leaders and stakeholders in Bunyangabu District to gather views that will shape the next ten-year management plan for Uganda's protected areas.

The consultative meeting was held at the district council hall and brought together local leaders, community representatives, and conservation officials.

Speaking during the meeting, Brenda Kyamuhendo said Bunyangabu was selected because of its proximity to Kibale National Park, making community participation critical in planning for the future of conservation and tourism development.

Residents used the meeting to raise concerns over compensation for losses caused by wildlife, saying many affected families struggle to meet the requirements needed to access compensation.

The Bunyangabu District Chairperson, Peter Musinguzi, called on UWA to prioritise tourism infrastructure, particularly the Rwimi–Kamwenge Road through Dura, saying better roads would boost tourism and create more economic opportunities for local communities.

Musinguzi also urged the authority to strengthen measures aimed at preventing elephants from invading communities by expanding electric fencing and maintaining trenches along park boundaries.

Meanwhile, the Resident District Commissioner, Nicholas Kamukama, appealed to UWA to increase community access to the national park through educational and exposure visits, particularly for young people and local leaders.

Responding to the concerns, officials from UWA said the current management plan is nearing its end and assured stakeholders that their proposals would be considered in the development of the new framework.

Tibasiga further noted that UWA continues to support neighbouring communities through revenue-sharing programs, access to medicinal plants, and the provision of community development projects, including water tanks.

Leading the consultation, Richard Kapere said the meetings are intended to ensure that communities living near protected areas directly benefit from conservation efforts.

He reaffirmed UWA's commitment to working closely with local governments to address community priorities and implement agreed development projects.

According to UWA, communities neighbouring national parks currently receive twenty per cent of tourism revenue generated from protected areas, a programme aimed at improving livelihoods while strengthening conservation efforts.