Kibale NP, Uganda – The Uganda Wildlife Authority opened its gates to the media on Wednesday, 6th May 2026, for an immersive chimpanzee tracking experience in Kibale National Park aimed at showcasing the park’s biodiversity and dispelling misinformation around chimpanzee conservation.
Journalists witnessed firsthand the complex social behaviors of chimpanzees in their natural forest habitat. UWA said the initiative seeks to foster deeper public understanding of the intelligent primates and underscore the urgency of protecting their ecosystems.
Chimpanzee.
Speaking during the exercise, Chief Warden of Kibale Conservation Area John Justice Tibesigwa stressed the role of responsible tourism and accurate reporting. “Our goal is to promote awareness and understanding of chimpanzee conservation while correcting misconceptions that may hinder efforts to protect these incredible creatures,” he said.
A highlight of the day was an engagement with renowned primatologist Margret Kobusinge, who has spent years studying chimpanzee behavior in Kibale. “This is not a one-time research. It’s continuous, and we observe new, unique behaviors every day. Most importantly, many of these behaviors mirror our own as humans,” she noted.
The media team also reviewed recent data and monitoring records on chimpanzee populations, with UWA officials emphasizing that ongoing research is vital for evidence-based policy and the long-term sustainability of chimpanzee habitats.
The outreach aligns with UWA’s broader mandate to protect Uganda’s wildlife heritage and promote eco-tourism. By involving the media, the authority hopes to spark a ripple effect that encourages responsible visitor behavior and strengthens public support for conservation nationwide.
As the tour concluded, participating journalists commended UWA for the opportunity to experience Uganda’s remarkable wildlife and gain deeper insight into critical conservation work underway in Kibale.
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Hopefully this markets tourism