Uganda is emphasizing medicinal and aromatic plants as a key part of its conservation and economic strategy for World Wildlife Day 2026, themed “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” The country aims to tap into the global market for plant-based medicinal products while ensuring sustainable harvesting and integrating these resources into wellness tourism, value addition, and exports.
Ahead of the March 3 celebrations in Entebbe, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra, highlighted that conservation efforts extend beyond wildlife, encompassing plant species that are key to healthcare, culture, tourism, and community livelihoods. As one of the planet’s most biodiverse nations, Uganda aims to leverage the expanding global market for plant-based medicinal products while advocating for sustainable harvesting practices to prevent overexploitation and habitat degradation.