News Category: UWA in the press

Kabaka Visits Murchison Falls Conservation Area

His Majesty Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II took time out of his busy schedule to visit Karuma Wildlife Reserve at Chobe within the Murchison Falls Conservation area.

Accompanied by some family members, including Prince Crispin Jjunju and Prince Richard Ssemakookilo, they enjoyed a one-and-a-half-hour game drive through the reserve, guided by Senior Guides Buzu Henry and Davis Kayonga.

Senior Guides: Davis Kayonga (Left) and Henry Buzu share a photo moment with the Kabaka

During the drive, they encountered various wildlife species as well as diverse flora and fauna that captured the Kabaka’s attention, prompting him to ask numerous questions, making the experience both engaging and educational for the royal family.

A highlight of the visit was when they came close to a male elephant crossing their path, creating a memorable moment for everyone on the game drive.

The Kabaka’s visit to such conservation sites reflects his commitment to environmental preservation and sends a strong message in support of local tourism.

CHINESE NATIONALS ARRESTED FOR WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING

Pangolins found with the Chinese suspects

Four Chinese nationals have been arrested in Kampala for illegal wildlife trafficking and tax evasion, following a raid that uncovered 9.4 kilograms of pangolin scales, two skinned pangolin carcasses, and 167 cartons of smuggled premium cigarettes. The joint operation by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Police, and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) also revealed UGX 27 million in cash at the suspects’ residence in Naguru. The illegal activities, which include the trade of critically endangered pangolins, highlight the ongoing battle against wildlife trafficking and its threat to Uganda’s biodiversity.

A Major Breakthrough in Combating Wildlife Trafficking

The November 21, 2024 raid followed a credible tip-off about illegal pangolin products stored at Plot 19, Ntinda View Crescent, Naguru. Further investigations on November 22 and 23 uncovered the smuggled cigarettes, evading taxes worth UGX 162 million. Intelligence reports suggest the residence was a hub for distributing pangolin products and smuggled goods across Kampala and beyond.

The suspects—identified as Pan Yi (40), Liang Sen (26), Huang Xiaobiao (40), and Dia Yanyu (36)—were apprehended at Kampala Stocks Supermarket on Luwum Street before being escorted to their residence for further investigations. They now face charges of illegal possession of protected wildlife species and tax evasion.

The Threat to Uganda’s Biodiversity

Pangolins are listed as critically endangered and are among the most trafficked mammals globally. UWA estimates that the 42 pangolins killed to obtain the recovered scales and carcasses represent a significant blow to conservation efforts aimed at protecting Uganda’s wildlife.

UWA’s Call to Action

Uganda Wildlife Authority condemns these illegal activities, emphasizing their impact on biodiversity, conservation, and tourism revenue.

“The illegal trade in wildlife undermines our conservation efforts and threatens Uganda’s natural heritage. We commend the public for their vigilance and encourage everyone to report wildlife trafficking and other illegal activities,” a UWA spokesperson said.

The public is urged to report wildlife crimes by contacting UWA or local law enforcement authorities. Every report contributes to safeguarding Uganda’s wildlife for future generations.

This successful operation demonstrates the critical role of collaboration between UWA, law enforcement, and the public in combating wildlife trafficking and promoting biodiversity conservation.

 

Kanungu hosts World Chimpanzee Day raising the profile of Bwindi Chimps

In a bid to promote conservation and community-based tourism, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) held a grand celebration for World Chimpanzee Day at the Ngoto hub in Kirima Sub-County, Kanungu District. The event, organized in collaboration with the Diocese of Kinkiizi and supported by the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), aimed to highlight the unique chimpanzee population of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and promote the integration of community tourism with wildlife conservation.

John Makombo, the Director of Conservation at UWA, addressed the gathering, urging district local governments to embrace community-based tourism to foster wildlife conservation for future generations. Representing UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha, Makombo praised the efforts and cooperation of the Kanungu District, recalling his experience as Chief Warden in Buhoma, where community support significantly boosted tourism development.

“Kanungu District is endowed with two National Parks. By conserving and promoting community tourism, we can enhance local benefits and conse

rvation efforts,” Makombo said. He emphasized the need to elevate the profile of Bwindi’s chimpanzees alongside the more famous mountain gorillas, aiming to establish Ngoto as a thriving tourist destination similar to Mpungu.

Makombo also encouraged the Chief Warden to train Mpungu and Batwa guides, enhancing tourism products and promoting sustainable tourism in the region. He called on JGI to develop a master plan for Kanungu, focusing on the Ngoto swamp ecosystem, and to build a lodge managed by the Church to benefit the community. This initiative aims to bolster chimpanzee conservation through targeted funding.

Gad Rugaju, the Deputy RDC, commended the Diocese for its continued support of conservation and revenue-sharing initiatives but highlighted challenges within the newly formed Tourism and Commercial Services department. He called for increased funding and resources to support tourism promotion and ensure the effective use of revenue-sharing funds.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Dan Zoreka welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude to the government for allowing the celebration in Kanungu. He emphasized the close genetic resemblance between chimpanzees and humans, pledging the Church of Uganda’s commitment to protecting these “cousins” and their habitats.

Mwongyera Henry, the District Vice Chairperson, lauded development partners for their contributions to wildlife conservation but stressed the need for improved tourism infrastructure, especially roads, to tap into the district’s natural endowments. He also called for the development of the Kibwetere site to commemorate lives lost there.

Byamukama James, Executive Director-JGI, delivered a message of peace and harmony, underscoring JGI’s mission to promote conservation for the benefit of both humans and wildlife. He highlighted JG I’s efforts in developing Uganda’s National Chimpanzees Conservation Strategy and called for honoring indigenous conservation heroes.

Guma Nelson, Chief Warden of Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area, emphasized the unique behavior of Bwindi chimps, who nest on the ground and interact with gorillas and humans. He called for equal protection for chimps as for gorillas, aiming to revise Bwindi’s World Heritage site status to include the unique attributes of its chimpanzees.

The celebration also acknowledged the efforts of various individuals and organizations in conservation. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Kanungu District Local Government, Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation, Chimp Nest, Kanungu FM radio, Kanungu Broadcasting Services, JGI, Kinkiizi Diocese, Sam Arineitwe Kajojo, Twongyeirwe Mwajuma, and Fidelis Kanyamunyu.

Twongyeirwe Mwajuma the Communication Officer Kanungu, a recipient of the certificate, expressed gratitude to UWA for recognizing her hard work. She attributed her success to the opportunities provided by Chief Warden Guma Nelson and Warden Dickson Katana, emphasizing the importance of delegation and trust in unleashing potential.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to conservation and community development, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between wildlife protection and sustainable tourism in Kanungu District.

 

UWA INKS SHS30B DEAL TO PROTECT WILDLIFE RESERVE

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has signed an $8m deal (about Shs30b) with Space for Giants, an international charity organization, to protect and conserve Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve in Karamoja Sub-region. The agreement seeks to raise new investment capital to restore the wildlife reserve.

During the signing of the agreement last Friday, Mr. Paul Lokol, the Nabilatuk District chairperson, told the Monitor that the partnership will transform communities neighboring the wildlife reserve, saying the organization will be injecting $1.2m (Shs4.5b )annually to promote tourism activities in Pian Upe.

Mr. Lokol, who is also the chairperson of the Collaborative Community Wildlife Management Association,  said the development will promote social amenities such as hotels, lodges, restaurants, and other services for tourists.

Mr. Lokol added that the partnership will see the nine districts, which are members of the Collaborative Community Wildlife Management Association,  benefit their communities through building schools, health centers, water sources, and improving pastures. Read More Here

UWA ACQUIRES STATE-OF-THE-ART LABORATORY

UWA Acquires stateof the Art. Lab

Uganda Wildlife Authority has acquired a state-of-the-art biosafety level II laboratory for the diagnosis of zoonotic diseases, especially in wildlife. The laboratory was commissioned on November 3, 2021, by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Rtd. Col. Tom Butime and the United States Ambassador to Uganda Her Excellency Natalie Brown at Mweya in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

In his remarks, Hon. Butime noted that the laboratory marks a new era in disease surveillance and prevention in the country. He observed that various factors such as climate change, globalization, increased human population, urbanization, and intense human-wildlife-livestock interaction have brought new emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases across the globe, Uganda inclusive. “In order to ensure optimum health for humans, animals including wildlife and the shared environment, we need a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach to tackle disease issues with commensurate supportive infrastructure for disease prevention, detection, and management,” he said. He expressed his appreciation to the United States government for the support towards the construction and equipping of the laboratory to full functionality.

The United States Ambassador to Uganda Natalie Brown reaffirmed the commitment of the United States Government to support animal disease prevention through the provision of appropriate diagnostic facilities. She expressed hope that with a well-equipped laboratory, Uganda Wildlife Authority will be able to detect animal diseases and apply appropriate veterinary interventions.

The UWA ED Sam Mwandha said that lab was the ever Wildlife Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in UWA. The facility will support UWA’s diagnostic and surveillance work, assist the neighboring districts with livestock disease diagnosis and support the academia and research institutions to develop, innovate as well as build human capital development. He said that there is a need to be vigilant because Uganda is at risk of the emergence of Monkeypox disease outbreaks from West and Central Africa with epidemics reported in Cameroon, DRC, and Nigeria. “These being zoonotic diseases with potential for bio-weapon, we cannot afford to be complacent in our active surveillance, early detection, and prevention approaches. Therefore, the laboratory comes in handy to help us with early detection so that we can put in place appropriate veterinary interventions,” he said.

Through transboundary collaboration with Virunga National Park in DRC coordinated by Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, the laboratory will assist in testing samples shipped from the Virungas. The lab was set to join the network of national, regional, and international laboratory systems for enhanced capacity and is working towards being recognized and recorded in the national laboratory records.

The US Dollars 3,049,572 facility has been constructed and equipped by the financial, technical, and capacity development with assistance from the American Government and the American people through Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Specifically, the Sandia National Laboratories, New Mexico, USA, and Centres for Disease Coordination (CDC) Atlanta with support from DTRA greatly supported the staff development capacity of our laboratory and veterinary personnel.

Mr. Mwandha who is the current Chairperson of the National One Health Platform in Uganda said the commissioning of the laboratory was historical because it coincided with the commemoration of the 6th annual world One Health Day. He added that the One Health platform seeks to provide an interface for One Health sector actors and other stakeholders to dialogue and exchange views, knowledge, and experiences on issues related to the implementation of One Health in the country. “The focus is on fostering partnerships and collaboration for effective and sustained One Health multi-sectoral coordination mechanism at national and sub-national levels. We want to ensure that we have functional multi-sectoral collaborations that deliver more coordinated responses to zoonotic diseases”, said Mwandha.

The sectors under the One Health Platform include the Ministries of Health, Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, Water and Environment, and Uganda Wildlife Authority. The event was attended by dignitaries from various US and Uganda Government institutions, conservation partners, and local leaders among others.