Uganda Conservation Foundation

UCF help to safeguard Uganda's natural heritage via practical conservation and community initiatives.

A bit of history...

UCF was set up to help previously war-stricken, heavily poached, high biodiversity regions in Uganda and Central Africa. Over the past 40 years, severe poaching across Uganda had killed all the rhino and most of the once famed herds of elephants that gave the country the reputation of having the most mega-herbivores per km² in Africa.

UCF evolved from a research project called Elephants, Crops and People based in southwestern Uganda. Today we operate in five different protected areas and a rhino sanctuary, as well as co-ordinate national-level projects seeking to combat the illegal wildlife trade. We currently have five permanent members of staff, led by a General Manager, but some exciting new projects are kicking off and we need to grow our team.

About us

Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) is small but highly productive UK Charity (Reg. No. 1087295), with an operational not-for-profit arm based in Kampala, Uganda. UCF is focused on safeguarding natural heritage of global importance by implementing practical conservation and community interventions, influencing policy-makers and engaging the public. We work closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, park-adjacent communities, and other partner organisations to deliver a balanced approach to conservation.

We offer expertise and management skills to instigate and partner on projects that develop capacity and influence change in the following areas:
• Protection: capacity building in law enforcement, anti-trafficking/IWT, veterinary capabilities and key infrastructure
• Research: knowledge building and knowledge management, endangered species research, zoonotic disease research, treatment trials, DNA sampling
• Development: recovery and re-wilding of key habitats, best practice environmental resource management, human-wildlife conflict interventions
• Enterprise: sustainable livelihoods, enterprise skills, voluntourism and scientific expeditions
• Engagement: conservation outreach and education, cross-border partnerships, inter-agency collaboration, cultural leader engagement, awareness raising, policy change and advocacy.

Whilst UCF’s historic focus has been on mega-herbivores, the charity has broadened its taxonomic focus to include all endangered species. UCF has projects across protected areas and their neighbouring communities in Uganda, including Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, Kibale Forest National Park, Semliki Valley Wildlife Reserve, Kidepo Valley Conservation Area, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

What is our culture like?

UCF works in fascinating areas, and always with great people - whether it's wildife rangers working on the frontline of anti-poaching, or community groups living in some of the poorest areas of Uganda. Trustees in the UK, Directors in Uganda and partnerships in the USA provide an amazing level of support, expertise and enthusiasm - and all of it voluntarily.

Because we are small we are able to develop, fund and implement projects relatively quickly - often taking on critical park crisis head on, and hand in hand with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. We have a 'can do - and get on with it' culture resulting in a significant amount of field projects being carried out in a short space of time. If you like to achieve and get your hands dirty, interact with the private and public sector - UCF Is the right place for you.