Uganda’s lion population has experienced a significant drop, even as the country’s mountain gorilla numbers and tourism sector show resilience, according to the newly released 2025 Tourism Trends and Statistics Report by the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA).
Launched on Wednesday, the report paints a complex picture of Uganda’s wildlife and tourism landscape. It reveals that wild lion numbers fell from 373 in 2023 to 292 in 2024, a decline of nearly 22%. The fall has been largely attributed to human-wildlife conflict, poaching, and natural threats within lion habitats, which continue to erode the population of this iconic species.
According to the report, Murchison Falls National Park remains the primary stronghold for lions in Uganda, currently hosting an estimated 240 individuals. This is followed by Queen Elizabeth National Park with about 40 lions, and Kidepo Valley National Park, which has just 12. Other large carnivores, including hyenas (153) and leopards (141), also face similar pressures.
“Yes, it is true, the lion population has been declining over the years,” said George Owoyesigire, the Acting Commissioner for Wildlife Conservation at MTWA.
He pointed to a combination of threats. “The main causes are poaching, poisoning, and retaliation by communities when lions attack livestock. We’ve also seen lions injured or killed while hunting large prey such as buffaloes,” he added.
To address the crisis, the Ministry is rolling out a Strategic Action Plan for Large Carnivores. The initiative includes community sensitisation programs, compensation for livestock losses, and enhanced anti-poaching efforts to reduce tension between wildlife and local communities.
“Community engagement is crucial,” Owoyesigire emphasized. “We must find ways for people and predators to coexist if we are to preserve our carnivore populations for future generations.”
Strong Tourism Recovery
Despite the worrying drop in lion numbers, the tourism sector as a whole has demonstrated robust recovery and growth. According to the same report, international tourist arrivals increased by 7.7%, reaching 1.37 million visitors in 2024. This mirrors broader trends across the African continent, which is seeing a strong rebound in tourism, even outpacing global recovery. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, Africa recorded a 7% rise in tourist arrivals.
In Uganda, the economic contribution of tourism continues to climb. Tourism receipts grew by 25.9%, from $1.025 billion in 2023 to $1.28 billion in 2024. The sector now contributes 3.2% to the national GDP, supporting more than 803,000 jobs, or about 7.2% of total employment in the country.
“Tourism is one of the anchor sectors for job creation and inclusive development,” said Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary at MTWA.
She added: “We’ve witnessed a powerful rebound, defined by strategic transformation, innovation, and a renewed global interest in Uganda’s unique offerings.”
Domestic Tourism and Park Visits on the Rise
The report also highlighted the vital role of domestic tourism in sustaining the sector. A total of 2.8 million Ugandans participated in domestic travel and tourism activities, marking a steady rise in local interest.
Nearly one million visits were made to national parks and cultural heritage sites, representing a 12.6% increase compared to the previous year. Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Parks remained the most visited, together accounting for over 60% of park traffic.
Meanwhile, gorilla tourism—Uganda’s flagship wildlife experience—showed consistent strength. Gorilla permit sales rose by 6.8%, although permit utilization declined to 58.1%, partly due to increased permit availability and flexible booking options. The trend indicates a healthy demand, albeit one that now comes with greater supply, potentially benefiting more tourists and tour operators.
Calls for Infrastructure and Connectivity Boost
Stakeholders within the tourism industry are calling for improved infrastructure, especially in western Uganda, home to the Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
Pearl Hoareau Kakooza, Chairperson of the Uganda Tourism Board, emphasized the need for better air connectivity. “The western region, where our premium tourism product—the mountain gorilla—is located, needs better access. Flights from London Gatwick to the new Kabalega International Airport could be a game-changer,” she said.
Tour operators and hoteliers have echoed this call, stressing the importance of reliable transport, clear communication during disease outbreaks, and further investment in visitor infrastructure to support the growing demand.
Conservation and Growth: A Delicate Balance
While Uganda continues to gain international attention for its biodiversity and natural attractions, the report underscores the delicate balance between growth and sustainability.
The country has set an ambitious target to expand its tourism sector to $50 billion by 2040, an objective that hinges on upgraded infrastructure, stronger conservation strategies, and inclusive community development.
Achieving this vision will require not just strategic planning but a firm commitment to protecting the very resources that draw visitors to Uganda in the first place—its landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
As Owoyesigire noted, “Tourism cannot thrive if our wildlife continues to decline. The survival of lions and other predators is not just a conservation issue—it’s a tourism and economic one too.”
Uganda’s 2025 Tourism Report presents a tale of resilience and caution—of a sector on the rise, but also of urgent conservation challenges that must be tackled head-on to ensure that Uganda remains one of Africa’s most compelling and sustainable tourism destinations.
