UWA recognizes the local community as a key stakeholder in ensuring the protection of wildlife both inside and outside Uganda’s protected areas. Traditional conservation approaches largely excluded the communities from protected area management. In contrast, community conservation, which has been employed since the 1990s, aims to harmonize the relationship between park managers and neighboring communities, allowing these communities access to protected area resources. It also encourages dialogue and local community participation in planning for and management of these resources.
UWA’s Community Conservation Unit implements a number of activities, some of which are detailed below: An important aspect of the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s mandate is visiting our local communities and engaging people with the array of biodiversity nearby. The significance of conservation work is emphasised as well as how different activities in the protected areas can impact the host communities, both in the short and long term. Our communities are acutely aware of the goings-on within their own villages and can be a good source of information about poachers and illegal hunting.
Conservation doesn’t stop with patrolling!
Like all forms of conservation work, protecting wildlife and natural places ultimately comes down to people. It’s about building a future where people live in harmony and balance with nature.
Word from the Executive Director
Welcome to the official website of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of this remarkable institution, entrusted with the stewardship of Uganda’s unique and diverse wildlife heritage.
Uganda’s protected areas are home to some of the world’s most iconic species and landscapes, from the mountain gorillas in the misty forests of Bwindi, to the roaring waterfalls of Murchison, the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha, and the snow-capped peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains. These natural wonders are not only vital to our national identity but also to our economy, environment, and global biodiversity.
At UWA, we are committed to conserving wildlife and ecosystems through inclusive, innovative, and science-led approaches. We place a strong emphasis on community involvement, tourism development, environmental education, and combating wildlife crime. Our mandate goes beyond protection, it includes ensuring that wildlife conservation contributes to the well-being of communities and the sustainable development of our nation.
This website is a gateway to understanding our work, accessing real-time information, and discovering how you can support conservation efforts. Whether you are a tourist, researcher, investor, conservation partner, or passionate citizen, we invite you to engage with us and be part of this shared responsibility.
Together, let us ensure that Uganda’s wildlife and wild places continue to thrive for us and for future generations.
Conserving for Generations
Dr. James Musinguzi, PhD
Executive Director
