Uganda: Mountain Gorilla Population Rises to 1,063 Amid Calls to End Illegal Tracking

The population of mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo has surged to 1,063, marking a significant increase from approximately 300 in 1990, according to conservation officials. This growth is primarily attributed to habitat protection, regular monitoring, law enforcement efforts, and increased engagement of local communities residing near protected areas.

Of the 1,063 gorillas, 459 reside within Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, while the remaining individuals live in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park. These figures were disclosed during Uganda's national World Gorilla Day celebrations, which took place at Ruhija Community Playground in Rubanda District on September 24. The annual event, celebrated globally each September 24, aims to promote gorilla conservation.

This year's celebrations were themed "Securing the Future: Restoring Indigenous Trees, Healthy Gorillas and Resilient Communities," and gathered conservationists, government officials, local leaders, and communities. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is leading these efforts, working in collaboration with various conservation partners.

Ruhija Town Council Mayor Geoffrey Tumuhimbise praised the communities surrounding Bwindi for their commitment to conservation and urged the UWA to provide enhanced support to residents, enabling them to benefit directly from wildlife protection. Tumuhimbise emphasized that conservation should encompass both the welfare of wildlife and the livelihoods of communities living in proximity to protected areas.

Tom Butiime, representing the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, commended the population increase but cautioned against illegal gorilla tracking in Kigezi. He emphasized that gorillas are a crucial tourism asset, contributing to national revenue and community incomes. However, Butiime warned that any irregular tracking undermines conservation and tourism efforts.

He accused some conservation partners of leveraging their positions to facilitate unauthorized tracking activities. AllAfrica, the publisher of this report, stresses the importance of adhering to established guidelines for gorilla tracking to ensure the continued protection and well-being of these endangered species.