Uganda is positioning biodiversity conservation as a strategic pillar of its tourism and green economy as it prepares to commemorate United Nations World Wildlife Day 2026 on March 3, with national celebrations scheduled for Entebbe Municipality in Wakiso District.
The event, to be officiated by President Yoweri Museveni, is expected to draw conservationists, tourism investors, diplomats, researchers and private sector players, underscoring Uganda’s ambition to link wildlife conservation with business, health and livelihoods.
World Wildlife Day was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2013 and is observed annually to highlight the value of wild fauna and flora to humanity.
Uganda enters the 2026 commemoration with strong biodiversity credentials. The country hosts over half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, 11% of global bird species, 8% of mammal diversity and thousands of plant species, many of which underpin nature-based tourism and community incomes.
Wildlife tourism already contributes significantly to foreign exchange earnings, employment and regional development.
This year’s global theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” expands the conservation conversation beyond iconic wildlife to include plant resources that support healthcare systems, cultural heritage and rural economies.
Globally, the traditional medicine market is valued at about USD 60 billion and is growing at 7% annually, with nearly 80% of people in developing countries relying on plant-based medicine for primary healthcare.
In Uganda, medicinal plants such as Prunus africana, Warburgia ugandensis and Vernonia amygdalina support herbal medicine, agro-processing and cross-border trade, while offering new opportunities for eco-tourism, wellness tourism and value-added exports. However, overharvesting, habitat loss and weak regulation threaten long-term sustainability.
Government officials say World Wildlife Day 2026 will be used to promote sustainable cultivation, responsible tourism, investment in plant-based value chains and partnerships that balance conservation with commercial opportunity.
The celebrations are expected to boost destination visibility for Entebbe and reinforce Uganda’s brand as a biodiversity-rich, investment-ready tourism hub where conservation and economic growth go hand in hand.