News Category: Press Release

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 WINS LANDMARK CASE ON WILD FIRES

UWA wins landmark case of wild fires

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has received a landmark court ruling in its favor against Godfrey Kaganda who sued the authority for negligence after a fire allegedly originating from Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve destroyed his forest.

The Judgement in the case of Godfrey Kaganda Vs Uganda Wildlife Authority, Civil Suit No. 009 of 2018 was delivered on October 27, 2021, by Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo of Fort Portal High Court exonerating Uganda Wildlife Authority, setting a precedent for fire outbreaks near Protected areas.

Mr. Godfrey Kaganda sued UWA in 2018 claiming that the agency had failed to manage a fire it had started in Toro Semliki Wildlife Reserve. He alleged that the fire had escaped from the Wildlife Reserve and burnt approximately 17.2 acres of a eucalyptus plantation on his farm. Mr. Kaganda alleged that as a result, he had suffered great loss, pain, inconvenience, and frustration. He prayed to the court to be awarded special damages of UGX 203,580,000/=, general damages of negligence, and an interest rate of 18% per annum as well as costs of the suit.

High court Justice Vincent Emmy Mugabo dismissed the case and exonerated UWA due to a lack of evidence indicating that UWA started the fire or that the fire originated from the Wildlife Reserve. The Judge also exonerated UWA on all allegations of being negligent in managing the fire. The case was dismissed and Mr. Godfrey Kaganda was ordered to pay costs incurred by UWA in litigating the case.

Commenting on the verdict, UWA ED Sam Mwandha expressed happiness that the organization has been exonerated. He said that people who suffer losses occasioned by fires should not just conclude that UWA is responsible. He explained that fires can be sparked off by many things including natural causes but people are quick to accuse the institution. “We work with a degree of professionalism and we care about people neighboring protected areas because they are our key stakeholders.

We do not desire to see their property destroyed. Some of them call us whenever they have fire outbreaks and we help them put them out,” he said. ED Mwandha retaliated against the need for community support for wildlife conservation emphasizing that UWA will continue to work towards having good relationships with all stakeholders.

3.1 BILLION GIVEN TO COMMUNITIES AROUND QUEEN ELIZABETH AND KIBALE NATIONAL PARKS

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on July 13, 2022, handed over 3,108,539,741 (three billion one hundred eight million five hundred thirty-nine thousand seven hundred forty-one only) earned from visitors in Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve.

The revenue cheques were handed over at a function presided over by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Rtd. Col. Tom Butime in Kasese town, in the presence of the leaders of the thirteen districts that surround protected areas, UWA Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Panta Kasoma, and Executive Director Sam Mwandha.

Hon. Butime thanked the districts that ensured the previous resources were put to good use to benefit the communities in their respective districts. “Some of this money is still visible on the ground in form of infrastructure and other forms of projects. I have also been informed though that projects in certain areas have to date stalled and some of the sub-counties failed to account in the time leading to failure to receive funds during the previous years. I hope that the funds disbursed today will not get wasted,” he said. He explained that unlike in the past, the revenue sharing fund is now a conditional grant for which the District Local Governments are required to make accountability to UWA after the implementation of the various projects. The implication was that districts that will fail the accountability test will not be given subsequent funds.

Executive Director UWA Sam Mwandha thanked the district political leaders and the technical staff for their enormous support rendered to the institution in mobilizing the community for conservation purposes. “We will continue to rely on their cooperation to realize the conservation objectives,” he said.

The Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Panta Kasoma noted that the district leaders have a good working relationship with field staff in QECA and KCA. “The good working relationship has enhanced information sharing that has contributed to better protection of the seven protected areas. I wish to thank you and let you know that UWA has high hopes that this relationship will continue to grow. I also thank the community for their cooperation despite the challenges individual households are faced with in regard to human-wildlife interactions,” he said.

On behalf of the district leaders, District Resident Commissioner Kasese Rtd. Lt. Joe Walusimbi thanked UWA for organizing the engagement meeting and sharing revenue. He said this gesture needs to be applauded and expressed readiness to monitor the implementation of projects so that the intended beneficiaries get it.

UWA SIGNS CO-MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS FOR PIAN UPE WILDLIFE RESERVE

Uganda Wildlife Authority, Space for Giants and 9 district governments on July 15, 2022 signed Co-Management Partnership contracts for Pian Upe and Amudat Community Wildlife Area. This is intended to restore and drive more conservation rewards to local people. Both local communities and wildlife reserves will see significantly improved economic and ecological benefits under a pioneering new conservation investment agreement. At the signing ceremony, UWA team was represented by Director Conservation John Makombo, nine districts represented by Chief Administrative officers and a team from Space for Giants headed by CEO Dr. Max Graham.

The agreement is the first of its kind for Uganda; an expansion of the existing agreement between UWA, Karimojong Overland Safaris Ltd a private company and Pian Upe Community Wildlife Association. Under the deal, Space for Giants will raise new finances and become the day to day managers of the Reserve while UWA remains the sovereign authority on all major decisions with full regulatory oversight. The new deal will strengthen the existing agreement because more districts will be beneficiaries. The deal covers the districts of Nakapiripirit, Kween, Napak, Bulambuli, Bukedea, Katakwi, Kumi, Nabilatuk, and Amudat. More than 150,000 people live in the area surrounding Pian Upe. Jobs and business opportunities arising from the Reserve’s rejuvenation are expected to go to locals first.

DC Makombo welcomed the signing noting that it was a major step in sustainable conservation of the reserve and getting more benefits to the community. “This is a major step forward for conservation of Pian Upe. We hope to get more benefits for the local communities which will strengthen our collaboration with partners to commit to conservation. If everyone plays their part, there will be visible benefits to the communities,” he noted.

Pian Upe is Uganda’s second-largest protected area after Murchison Falls National Park. Established in 1964 and covering more than 2,000 sq km, it has 525 recorded bird species and 163 mammals including Uganda’s widest diversity of plains mammals that include cheetah, endangered African wild dog, a rare subspecies of roan antelope and giraffes. Thousands of elephants and rhinos used to roam the reserve but were lost to poaching.

Dr Max Graham, Founder and CEO, Space for Giants, said “Following seven years of collaborating with the Government of Uganda, Space for Giants is confident this partnership with UWA, the District Local Governments and Pian Upe Community Wildlife Association will restore and protect Pian Upe Game Reserve and its wildlife for the benefit of the country. Through this co-management partnership, the Ugandan Government sets in motion the process to fully restore Pian Upe as one of East Africa’s premiere Parks. In addition to investing in Pian Upe’s exceptional natural habitat and the conservation of its biodiversity, the co-management agreement also enhances its value for local communities and its economic contribution to the country and restore an iconic elephant landscape.”

Space for Giants will present a business plan to the initiative’s board within six months setting out in detail its approach and budget. It is expected finance will come primarily through selling carbon offsets, under a carbon project that has already been launched that seeks to secure the initial funding required to execute the project. Space for Giants will also seek complimentary philanthropic support for the project. Space for Giants was founded close to 20 years ago and today works in 10 African countries focusing on bringing outside investment and technical expertise to support African protected area authorities to conserve their wildlife and natural landscapes.