The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) recently kicked off a landmark conservation effort with the 2025 Bwindi-Sarambwe Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee Census, officially launched by Uganda Wildlife Authority’s new Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, on May 6th, 2025 at the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC) in Ruhija. This initiative marks the sixth gorilla census in the region and the first-ever formal chimpanzee count in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, nestled in southwestern Uganda, is a biodiversity hotspot within the Albertine Rift, home to over 400 of Uganda’s estimated 5,050 chimpanzees and 459 mountain gorillas, according to the 2018 census. Globally, mountain gorillas number around 1,063, with more than half residing in Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Parks. The 2025 census, conducted in two phases—June and September—employs advanced nest count and genetic analysis methods to update population figures, monitor illegal activities, and assess habitat changes.
A team of 60 trained personnel, 70% from UWA, is collaborating with international partners, including the Jane Goodall Institute, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Uganda, and the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, to ensure the success of this vital conservation effort.
Dr. Musinguzi emphasized the census’s role in shaping future conservation strategies, noting, “Understanding the population dynamics of these iconic species is crucial for their survival.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the few places on earth where mountain gorillas and chimpanzees coexist, sharing 98% of human DNA, yet they face ongoing threats from habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.” Since 2019, over 103 mountain gorilla births have been recorded in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a testament to decades of conservation work, but challenges remain.
The launch event, captured in vibrant images shared by UWA on X, showcased a diverse group of conservationists, rangers, and partners gathered amidst Bwindi’s misty forests, proudly holding the Ugandan flag and census banners.
The event underscored the global significance of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which spans four trekking hubs namely; Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga, and Nkuringo, offering access to over 25 habituated gorilla groups.
For travelers, this gorilla census highlights the perfect opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat while supporting conservation efforts through sustainable tourism. The 2025 census is a unique moment to promote gorilla and chimpanzee trekking experiences in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a bucket-list destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
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