Overview – Avian Conservation Uganda

In pursuit of achieving SDG 15 to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss, Avian Conservation Uganda, established in 2022, seeks to contribute to responsible development that conserves natural resources for the benefit of future generations – in line with its mission – Avian life for generations.

ACUG embraces a holistic approach to demonstrate the aesthetic, cultural, economic and natural effects birds have on people, economies, and most significantly the environment. Through partnerships with local communities, schools, researchers, government agencies, local and international conservation organization, we aim to pull expertise, resources, and strengths from different competencies to complement each other and bring us closer to achieving Avian life for generations.

At Avian Conservation Uganda (ACUG), we align our conservation efforts with the guidelines and standards set by the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Our commitment is to pursue a nationally compliant and contextually relevant approach in all our projects, campaigns, and actions.
We are dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with public sector institutions, working collaboratively to enhance conservation impact and drive sustainable change across Uganda’s ecosystems.

Conservation Overview in Uganda:

Uganda is home to uniquely endowed bird habitats due to its location at the intersection of the dense rainforests of the Congo basin in Central Africa and the open savannah woodland of East Africa right between the two arms of the Great rift valley. This unique landscape provides a habitat unlike anywhere else in the world and is home to over 1095 recorded bird species (Avibase, 2025). Uganda’s altitude is between 640m and 5109m; boasting of the third highest point in Africa above sea level giving it a wide range of altitude marks that offer different conditions for thriving bird life.

Uganda has over 33 Important Bird Areas(IBAs) and 12 Ramsar sites including the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park and others.

Uganda is also endowed with a great many freshwater lakes including L. Victoria, L. Kyoga, and L. Edward, and major rivers such as the River Nile, the River Kagera, and the River Katonga, which offer suitable habitats for thriving bird life around them. Consequently, Uganda is home to numerous regional endemic birds including the shy African green-breasted pitta, the elusive Shelley’s Crimsonwing, the Rwenzori turaco, Dusky Crimsonwing, Fox’s weaver, the African Green Broadbill, and others.

Several wetland areas in Uganda are protected under national laws and are managed by the Wetlands Division of the Ministry of Environment, operating under the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. However, many bird species in these habitats have low or declining populations.
To reverse this trend, we must confront significant challenges, including poaching, habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, competing land uses, and the impacts of recent oil developments.

Our site will highlight the impact of ACUG in collaboration with its partners and outline key conservation priorities. With a strong focus on birds, we aim to safeguard Uganda’s rich natural heritage in this incredibly diverse and beautiful country.

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