Dangerous weeds are creating a serious threat to Uganda’s tourism sector, primarily by damaging the country’s unique ecosystems, disrupting biodiversity, and degrading key natural attractions that draw tourists according to experts.
Because of this, agricultural experts have committed to tackling Invasive Alien Species (IAS) that are increasingly devastating ecological and economic damage in Eastern Africa.
The commitment was made during a workshop convened by experts and policymakers in Kampala recently.
“Uganda’s ecosystems are under severe pressure due to invasive species,” warned Dr. Asea Godfrey, a scientist from NARO. “These organisms displace native biodiversity, alter habitats, and disrupt food production systems. This workshop is a crucial step toward enhancing regional coordination and stakeholder engagement in tackling this crisis.”
The economic impact of IAS is significant, affecting agriculture, forestry, and wildlife.
Among the most destructive species in Uganda are water hyacinth, fall armyworm, and Parthenium hysterophorus, which have led to widespread crop losses and ecological imbalances.
Experts stress that without immediate intervention, the problem will only worsen.
On research initiatives that is undertaking to manage invasive species, Dr. Kasifa Katono, a Senior Entomologist emphasized that there are a number of initiatives for example, regarding the management of Congress weed, or perthenium weed, which is devastating agriculture lands, rangelands and pasture lands, as well as causing biodiversity loss, NARO is promoting biological control using a leaf feeding beetle, and also engaging the communities.
Dr. Antonio Querido, FAO Country Representative, emphasized the importance of both community engagement and strong enforcement mechanisms.
“We need to insist on more resources for research and development, while also empowering communities to recognise and report invasive species,” he said.
“The earlier we detect these threats, the greater our chances of controlling them. Strong biosecurity measures at airports and border points are also crucial to prevent new invasions,” he added.
Dr. Querido revealed that FAO has allocated $1.5 million for an initial phase targeting two major invasive species—Golden Dodder and Parthenium.
He pointed out that previous efforts against Fall Armyworm and Desert Locusts had shown the need for sustained regional cooperation.
“If Uganda acts alone but neighboring countries do not, our efforts will be futile,” Querido said. “Regional coordination is of paramount importance to protect our agro-ecosystem and preserve global biodiversity.”
Uganda’s State Minister for Agriculture, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga noted that joint action at national and regional levels should be embraced to solve this problem.
“Invasive species find their way into ecosystems and aggressively overtake native biodiversity,” Bwino explained.
“We have identified the worst threats in Uganda, and this workshop is proof that the alarm we raised is being heard. A key outcome will be the formation of a task force to assess the situation and develop effective solutions,” he added.
Experts also highlighted the need for increased funding to manage IAS effectively.
A major outcome of the workshop led by ASARECA, will be the development of a joint multi-stakeholder action plan.
This will include policy reforms, awareness campaigns, and investment in research-driven interventions.
The initiative is part of the CAADP-XP4 project under the Development Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture (DeSIRA) program, funded by the European Union (EU).
ASARECA is collaborating with Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, NARO, and CABI to spearhead a regional strategy for IAS management.
Experts agree that combating invasive species will require long-term investment, strong enforcement, and a united regional effort.
Uganda is home to several important ecosystems that attract tourists, such as the Albertine Rift, tropical rainforests, savannas, and wetlands.
However, invasive weeds like Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and Lantana camara threaten these ecosystems by outcompeting native plants. This results in the reduction of habitat for many native species, including those that are key to Uganda’s tourism industry, like the endangered mountain gorillas.
The loss of native plant species can disrupt food chains, impacting both wildlife and the cultural experiences tourists seek.
For example, in Lake Victoria, the spread of Water Hyacinth has led to a loss of fish species and reduced water quality.
Tourists who visit Uganda’s lakes for activities like birdwatching, fishing, or scenic cruises may find these experiences diminished by the invasive plants, leading to a decline in tourism interest.
Wetlands and waterways are some of the most attractive ecosystems in Uganda, with notable areas like the Mabamba Wetland, which is known for birdwatching and a key site for the endangered shoebill stork.
The spread of invasive aquatic plants such as Water Hyacinth in lakes and rivers obstructs waterways, making it harder for boats to navigate, and diminishes the overall aesthetic beauty of these areas.
The lack of access and visual degradation can discourage tourists from visiting, leading to a potential loss of revenue for local communities that depend on tourism.
Uganda’s tourism is heavily reliant on activities like game drives, hiking, gorilla trekking, bird watching, and boat tours. Invasive weeds can disrupt these activities by affecting the infrastructure and the quality of the environment.
For instance, Lantana camara, a common invasive species in Uganda, can overgrow around trekking trails and viewing points, making it difficult for tourists to access certain areas. This affects the overall experience of travellers, particularly those seeking eco-tourism and adventure.
The presence of invasive species can also affect the quality of wildlife sightings. For example, some invasive plants create dense thickets that may prevent tourists from seeing animals in their natural habitat, which could diminish the appeal of game drives and safaris.
Similarly, the presence of invasive plants in tropical rainforests may hinder trekking experiences, especially in national parks such as Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
The threat posed by invasive weeds to Uganda’s tourism sector is multifaceted. From disrupting ecosystems and biodiversity to increasing management costs, the presence of invasive species is a growing challenge for the country.
To mitigate the impact on tourism, Uganda will need to focus on strengthening environmental protection policies, improving awareness and education on invasive species, and investing in conservation efforts.
Additionally, supporting local communities to become active participants in controlling invasive plants will be crucial for both environmental and economic sustainability in the tourism sector.