Conservation Conference Highlights the Role of Medicinal Plants in Sustainable Development

Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) in partnership with NatureUganda, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College (UWRTC), and the Uganda Biodiversity Fund (UBF), organised the National Wildlife Conservation Conference 2026, one of the pre-events to commemorate World Wildlife Day 2026. The conference was held under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Heritage, Health and Livelihoods.”

The conference took place on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the Protea Hotel, Kololo – Kampala, with both physical and virtual participation through Zoom. It attracted a diverse audience including government agencies, conservationists, researchers, students, private sector, academicians, NGOs, and development partners, reflecting the national interest in plant conservation and sustainable use.

The dialogue discussions explored how Medicinal and Aromatic Plants contribute to income generation, healthcare delivery and cultural heritage preservation, while also facing increasing threats from habitat loss, unsustainable harvesting, and land-use change.

Mr. George Owoyesigire, the Acting Commissioner for Wildlife Conservation in the Ministry of Tourism, welcomed participants to the conference and thanked the Ministry’s partners for organizing the event. He also appreciated the presenters for their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences with the public. In his remarks, he called upon participants to support the Uganda Wildlife Marathon, which aims to support children of rangers who lost their lives in the line of duty and is scheduled to take place at Kitante Primary School in Kampala on 1st March 2026. He further invited all stakeholders to participate in the World Wildlife Day celebrations, set to be held at the Entebbe grounds on 3rd March 2026.

During his remarks, the Board Chair of Uganda Wildlife Authority, Prof. James Kalema, a renowned botanist, highlighted that the largest composition of wildlife is plant life. He noted that Uganda has 4816 native plant species with 1,037 being socio-economic plants, 738 of these are medicinal, and 42% occur in unprotected areas, 184 species are endemic and near endemic to Uganda, presenting a powerful call for urgent conservation action to protect plant biodiversity beyond protected area boundaries.

The Guest of Honor, Hon. Martin Mugarra, the State Minister of Tourism, in his opening remarks, appreciated the partners of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities for their continued support towards the organisation of this annual conference, recognizing the importance of collaborative partnerships in advancing conservation and sustainable development goals.

The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Patrick Ogwang Engeu, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Managing Director of Jena Herbals Limited. He emphasized the critical role of plants in human health, traditional medicine, and ecosystems, while calling for strengthened sustainable use and conservation. He also acknowledged national leadership support, stating, “We are grateful to H.E Kaguta Museveni for the support rendered during Covid time that made the development and production of COVIDEX possible.”

Prof. Maud Kamatenesi highlighted that medicinal and aromatic plants are vital natural resources that significantly support the livelihoods of local and rural communities, serving as crucial sources of income, healthcare, and ecological stability. Dr. Godwin Anywar discussed how traditional medicine is in transition, with medicinal and aromatic plants bridging cultural heritage, conservation, and modern health systems.

Mr. Upton Nuwagira, Research Officer at the Uganda Wildlife Training Institute, presented on land sustainability and the mapping of illegally harvested medicinal plants, drawing from scientific literature and a case study from Rwenzori Mountains National Park.

Mr. Julius Nyanzi presented the concept of “Money Grows on Trees” as an empowering guide that bridges traditional wisdom and modern scientific techniques. Mr. Nyanzi, shared his inspiring journey of founding Prof Bio Research, a private company built on nature, proudly living by the slogan “Money grows on trees.” He thanked H.E Kaguta Museveni for the opportunity to serve the nation as a Board Member of the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, highlighting how nature-based enterprises can support both conservation and national development.

In the closing remarks of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, delivered by Mr. George Owoyesigire, she noted that the conference had provided critical insights on conserving medicinal plants. She called upon all stakeholders to work closely with government to protect these vital species that directly contribute to livelihoods, health, and incomes.

The National Wildlife Conservation Conference 2026 reaffirmed that medicinal and aromatic plant conservation is not only an environmental concern but also a public health priority, a cultural heritage responsibility, and a sustainable livelihoods strategy. The conference strengthened a shared national vision that protecting plant biodiversity is fundamental to Uganda’s sustainable development, community resilience, and ecological future.

Presentations (PDF):

1. The critical role of plants in human health, traditional medicine, and ecosystems, while aiming to strengthen their sustainable use and conservation – Prof. Patrick Ogwang Engeu
2. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants are vital natural resources that significantly support the livelihoods of local and rural communities and act as a crucial source of income, healthcare, and ecological stability – Prof. Maud Kamatenesi
3. Traditional Medicine in Transition: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Bridging Cultural Heritage, Conservation, and Health Systems – Dr. Godwin Anywar
4. Land sustainability: Mapping of the most illegally Harvested Medicinal plants. A synthesis of Scientific literature plant science: A case of Rwenzori Mountains National park – Mr. Upton Nuwagira