The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom R. Butiime, has warned that Uganda risks losing vital medicinal and aromatic plant species due to overexploitation, habitat destruction and weak regulation, threatening healthcare systems, cultural heritage and rural livelihoods. Butiime made the remarks in Kampala as Uganda prepares to mark United Nations World Wildlife Day on March 3, 2026, amid growing concern over the unsustainable harvesting of medicinal plants from the wild. National celebrations will be held in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, with President Yoweri Museveni expected to officiate as chief guest, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. This year's commemoration will focus on medicinal and aromatic plants under the theme "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods," highlighting what the minister described as a deepening conservation crisis.