The Delicate Balance Between Elephants, Communities, and Development.

The powerful image of an elephant tells a story of balance and coexistence. Here, an elephant is seen grazing in privately owned land bordering Murchison National Park. In the background is a construction camp. It is a reminder of the delicate, shared space between wildlife, communities and economic development.

For nearby communities, elephants are a beautiful sight, and when communities are organised, they can benefit from wildlife on their land through tourism. However, elephants can also be unintentional intruders, wandering into community land where they destroy crops, damage property, and even pose a risk to people’s lives. In certain situations, close encounters can trigger defensive behaviours in elephants, leading to harm for both people and the elephants themselves.

At Umoja Wildlife Conservancies of Uganda, we’re on a mission to protect these magnificent animals with whom we share our country and to support the communities who live alongside them. By empowering local communities to benefit from wildlife, we aim to foster a safe and sustainable coexistence for all.

Through partnerships with local communities, we’re finding ways to foster coexistence with elephants and other wildlife. It's about more than conservation – it's about creating a world where both nature and communities thrive together.

To learn more about our work and vision, take a look at our Strategic Plan.