The UWEC Board has handed over to the UWA Board following the merger of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) with the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC).
The historical handover event was held on Wednesday, 17th October, at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, signifying a crucial moment in the country’s ongoing commitment to the conservation and sustainable management of diverse wildlife resources. The ceremony also featured the launch of the National Conservation Education Strategy.
During the ceremony, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka lauds the outgoing executive director of UWEC, Dr James Musinguzi for the developments at the center and an increase in the number of visitors by 200,000 in just a year, and therefore tasked the UWA team to maintain the numbers.
He said that Uganda’s tourism potential continues to grow, with international visitor arrivals increasing by 13% year on year, and with the expanded mandate of the merged institution, the sector will be better positioned to capitalize on this growth by offering unique wildlife experiences while promoting conservation.
“I am confident that the UWA Board will take on this responsibility with dedication and vision. The merger presents us with an opportunity to strengthen our conservation frameworks, improve tourism revenue, and ensure the sustainable use of our natural resources. So I urge the UWA Board to inherit a legacy of excellence from UWEC,” the minister remarked.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Mrs Doreen Katusiime expressed her deepest appreciation to the outgoing UWEC Board for their tireless efforts over the years that have turned UWEC into a national treasure, saying “Under your leadership, UWEC has made significant progress in wildlife conservation, conservation education, captive breeding, and rehabilitation of wildlife.”
In addition, she noted that the merger of UWA and UWEC aims to align our efforts and create a more streamlined and effective approach to wildlife conservation and tourism, coming at a time when Uganda’s wildlife sector is undergoing rapid change. UWA already manages 10 national parks and 12 wildlife reserves have seen an average annual increase of 15% in tourist numbers over the past decade, contributing over UGX 3 trillion to the national economy in 2023 alone.
“We believe that integrating UWEC’s expertise in Conservation Education and rehabilitation with UWA’s strength in Wildlife Conservation and management will enhance our ability to protect and sustainably manage Uganda’s biodiversity. The combined resources of UWEC and UWA will enable us to address some of the most pressing challenges in wildlife conservation such as Human-wildlife conflict. Over the past three years, there have been over 200 reported incidents of conflict, particularly in areas adjacent to protected areas. By strengthening Community Outreach and Education, we can mitigate these conflicts,” the Permanent secretary highlighted.
She therefore urged the UWA team to work with a renewed sense of purpose, continuing to; engage communities in conservation efforts to foster mutual benefit and promote ecotourism in ways that support conservation while also contributing to local economies for the socio-economic transformation of the people.
Katusiime also revealed that the government of Uganda remains committed to supporting the tourism industry because the sector has been identified as a critical sector in NDPIV, as well as achieving a tenfold economy in 2040, and therefore urged the Board to work hard towards realizing this ambitious plan.
“I want to again express my deepest gratitude to the outgoing UWEC Board for your exemplary service and commitment. To the UWA board, I extend my congratulations as you take on this expanded role. This merger symbolizes not just a change in management but a renewed commitment to the future of Wildlife Conservation in Uganda. Together, let us ensure that our wildlife, which is a vital part of our national identity and economy, continues to thrive for generations to come,” the permanent secretary concluded.
The pre-merger executive director of UWEC, who now serves as UWA’s Director of Community Conservation, Dr James Musinguzi, raised the need for UWA to improve staff remuneration to retain talent, personnel, and capable employees in the industry.
He also asked UWA to prioritize the completion of the ongoing projects, including a floating restaurant, new conservation centers in Kyenjojo, Gulu, and Mbarara, and refurbishments to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, among others.
Musinguzi also highlighted the need for additional infrastructure at the center, such as fencing, irrigation systems for animal exhibits, and the completion of animal habitats.
In conclusion, he appreciated the Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry of tourism, the Director, the Commissioner of Wildlife, and all other technical staff of the ministry together with the Board of Trustees, Management, and staff of UWEC for their support over the years as well as his support pledge to the Chief Warden, Mr. David Musingo, who will be taking over the mantle at UWEC Conservation Area.
Prof. James Kalema, the chairman of the Board of Trustees – UWA, welcomed UWEC staff to UWA as well as highlighted the merger’s potential to strengthen wildlife conservation in the country.
“The integration of these two entities presents an opportunity to pool resources and expertise, enabling us to address challenges more effectively,” he said.
David Musingo has been appointed the Chief Warden of the newly created UWEC Conservation Area, which will also manage the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and regional satellite wildlife conservation education centers.
Established in 1994 under the Trustees Incorporation Act, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) replaced the Entebbe Zoo and became a statutory body in 2015 through the UWEC Act.
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