Abstract: This study explores the relationship between active participation, emotional attachment, and long-term commitment to wildlife conservation within the Karimojong community in Kidepo Valley National Park, Northeastern Uganda. The objective is to assess how indigenous beliefs and customs can be meaningfully integrated into formal conservation frameworks to enhance biodiversity protection and strengthen community engagement. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was adopted, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Structured questionnaires were administered to 243 Indigenous Karimojong community members to evaluate their levels of active participation, emotional attachment, and long-term commitment to conservation practices. Additionally, five Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were held with government officials and wildlife conservation authorities, alongside five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Local Council 1 committee members. Quantitative data were analysed using Stata 17, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis using NVivo 14. Findings indicate low community engagement in wildlife conservation. The overall mean for active participation was 1.4 (SD = 0.8), emotional attachment registered a mean of 1.4 (SD = 0.7), and long-term commitment also stood at 1.4 (SD = 0.8). These results underscore the need for more structured community engagement strategies in conservation programs. This study contributes to the Continual Engagement Model (CEM) by highlighting the value of integrating indigenous cultural values into conservation efforts. It advocates for a collaborative approach involving both local communities and wildlife authorities, ensuring culturally grounded, inclusive, and sustainable conservation outcomes. The findings call for embedding community engagement into national conservation policies to support long-term biodiversity and livelihood goals.

Abstract: study explores the relationship between traditional cultural values, norms, and practices and their impact on wildlife conservation within the Karamojong community in Kidepo Valley National Park, Northeastern Uganda. It aims to assess how indigenous beliefs and customs can be integrated into formal conservation strategies to enhance biodiversity conservation and community engagement. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Questionnaires were administered to the 243 Indigenous Karamojong community members to assess observance of wildlife conservation norms, related cultural values and practices. Five Key Informant Interviews with governmental officials and wildlife authorities, and five Focus group discussions with Local Council 1 committee members. All quantitative data were analysed using Stata 17, while qualitative data were thematically analysed using NVivo 14. The study found strong community adherence to wildlife conservation norms, particularly regarding sacred animal protection (Mean = 3.5, SD = 1.6). Cultural practices such as totemic restrictions and hunting regulations significantly shaped community attitudes toward conservation. Engagement with traditional practices was moderate (Mean = 2.6, SD = 1.7), with practices like community-led regulated grazing and elder-controlled hunting requiring further strengthening. While there was moderate support for wildlife conservation based on cultural attachment to animals (Mean = 2.4, SD = 1.4), a disconnect between traditional values and formal conservation strategies was noted, indicating the need for better integration of these values into modern frameworks. This study contributes to conservation theory by highlighting the importance of integrating indigenous cultural values into formal wildlife management. Practically, it suggests that leveraging local cultural norms can enhance community buy-in and sustainable conservation. For policy, it advocates for a collaborative approach between wildlife authorities and local communities, incorporating traditional norms into national conservation strategies for more inclusive and effective outcomes.