Lions are more than symbols of strength, they are keystone species whose presence keeps entire ecosystems in balance. Yet across Africa, their numbers have plummeted due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.

However, Uganda’s lions are making a quiet but powerful comeback, not by chance, but through a deliberate, long-term strategy. Uganda Conservation Foundation and the Uganda Wildlife Authority run the national Carnivore & Scavenger Conservation Programme, integrating law enforcement, prey protection, rapid response, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation to safeguard lions and their habitats.

Full-time teams inside key national parks, including Queen Elizabeth, Murchison Falls, and Kidepo Valley monitor prides, gather vital data, respond rapidly to threats, and work with surrounding communities to prevent conflict before it happens. This integrated approach combining constant field presence, advanced monitoring via satellite and EarthRanger, and community engagement is delivering results.

In Queen Elizabeth National Park, for example, over two years have passed without a single lion lost to human-wildlife conflict. Similar strategies are strengthening lion protection in other landscapes, giving these iconic predators the security they need to breed, raise cubs, and reclaim their place in Uganda’s wild heritage.

On World Lion Day, we’re not just celebrating survival, we’re building a future where Uganda’s lions can truly thrive. This work is only possible thanks to the dedication of Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers and the generosity of our partners and donors. You too can help by donating to a team of your choice:

Murchison Falls Rangers: https://bit.ly/WRC2025-MurchisonFalls

Queen Elizabeth Rangers: https://bit.ly/WRC2025-QueenElizabeth

Kibale Rangers: https://bit.ly/WRC2025-Kibale

Kidepo Valley Rangers: https://bit.ly/WRC2025-KidepoValley

Ziwa Rhino Rangers: https://bit.ly/WRC2025-ZiwaRhino

Tusk, Great Plains Conservation, Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa, SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Lion Recovery Fund