Kampala, Uganda: Conservationists, researchers, policymakers, and development partners have convened in Kampala for Uganda’s inaugural National Biodiversity and Conservation Research Symposium, with renewed calls for science-based decision-making to tackle growing threats to biodiversity and ecosystems.
The three-day symposium, held at Nile Resort Hotel under the theme “Science, Innovation and Collaborative Responses,” brings together experts from across the conservation sector to share research findings, innovations, and practical solutions to biodiversity challenges facing Uganda and the wider region.
Opening the symposium on Monday, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the event as an annual platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation.
Dr. Musinguzi said effective conservation can only be achieved through data-driven and evidence-based decision-making, noting that biodiversity remains central to sustainable development, ecosystem health, livelihoods and national prosperity.
“We must continue generating scientific evidence that informs conservation decisions. Biodiversity is fundamental to our survival and development, and conservation interventions must be guided by research and innovation,” he said.
He also revealed plans by UWA to establish a dedicated Wildlife Research Journal aimed at promoting research, knowledge dissemination and evidence-based conservation action.
Dr. Musinguzi called upon government agencies, conservation organizations, development partners, researchers and individuals to invest more resources in scientific research to support biodiversity conservation and wildlife management.
Speaking at the symposium, UWA Board Chairperson Dr. James Kalema emphasized the importance of scientific innovation and international collaboration in protecting biodiversity.
“We cannot protect what we do not understand. Advancing genetic research, scientific innovation, and global collaboration is essential to halt biodiversity loss, restore degraded landscapes, and secure a sustainable future for life on Earth,” Dr. Kalema said.
The symposium also featured presentations highlighting emerging conservation challenges and solutions.
UWA Research Officer Richard Otiti presented findings on elephant movement patterns, noting that understanding wildlife behaviour is critical in addressing human-wildlife conflicts. “Elephant movements are very predictable and so community engagement to prevent human-wildlife conflicts is vital,” Otiti said.
Representing the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities as Chief Guest, Dr. Bashir Ajer called for stronger integration of research findings into conservation policy and practice.
Dr. Ajer emphasized the need to ensure that research outcomes are widely published and incorporated into the operational structures of both the Ministry and UWA. “Evidence without adaptation changes nothing,” he said, urging stakeholders to strengthen the link between scientific research, policymaking and implementation.
He commended researchers and academicians for generating critical knowledge that informs conservation and sustainable development, while reaffirming government’s commitment to supporting research, innovation, ecosystem restoration and evidence-based conservation.
Dr. Ajer described the symposium as timely, particularly as Uganda continues to grapple with challenges including human-wildlife conflict, ecosystem degradation and the loss of frontline conservation personnel.
Participants expressed optimism that the symposium would strengthen collaboration among researchers, conservation agencies and policymakers, ultimately improving biodiversity protection efforts across the country.
The symposium is expected to produce recommendations aimed at strengthening conservation research, promoting innovation and improving biodiversity management in Uganda.
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