News Category: Organisation update

UWA has introduced another animal species to the current ones at Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe.

This afternoon, two African Wild Dogs, male and female were welcomed at UWEC, bringing the total number of animal species to 69. The wild dogs, donated by Conservation Through Commercialization (CTC), were received by Assistant Commissioner Geoffrey Mwedde on behalf of the Commissioner for Community Conservation and Ex-situ Wildlife Services, David Musingo.

Upon the release of the wild dogs into their new habitat, Thomas Price, the Founder of CTC, stated that this collaboration aims to enhance national capacity for these endangered species.

“African wild dogs are officially extinct in Uganda. There are only a few individuals that occasionally migrate through the country from Kenya to Sudan. However, there is a saying: do not put all your eggs in one basket. At CTC, we have been fortunate and quite successful with the wild dogs. But we also understand that it’s much more useful to have two different populations in two different places,” Price elaborated.

He emphasized that a disease outbreak could occur at either CTC or UWEC, and it is prudent not to concentrate all efforts in one location.

Mr. Mwedde expressed gratitude to CTC for the collaboration, highlighting that this initiative represents a positive advancement for UWA and the Ugandan government in terms of conservation efforts. He remarked, “It is crucial for the government of Uganda to collaborate with the private sector to enhance wildlife conservation in this country.”

Dr. Recheal, Assistant Commissioner Ex-situ Wildlife Management at UWA, explained that the inclusion of the wild dogs in UWA’s ex-situ services will boost research, conservation education, and tourism.

“These dogs are extinct in Uganda and are classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, which signifies that this development is a significant step towards raising awareness about the conservation of such endangered species –  Many schools visit here, allowing us to educate them about the conservation of different endangered, in order to prevent further losses,” she stated.

About the African Wild Dogs

Scientifically referred to as Lycaon pictus, the African wild dog is indigenous to the sub-Saharan savannas and open plains of Africa. This species is currently classified as endangered, with an estimated population of approximately 6,600 individuals.

The primary threats they face include habitat fragmentation due to human land use, which disrupts their packs, conflicts with humans arising from livestock protection, and viral diseases such as rabies transmitted from domestic dogs.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has intensified its efforts to address human-wildlife conflict through a community engagement meeting held yesterday 29^th.July. 2026 in Minekye Village, Sanga Sub-county. The meeting formed part of UWA’s ongoing interventions aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence between wildlife and communities living adjacent to protected areas.

The engagement followed recent incidents in which buffaloes crossed into community land and destroyed crops, particularly banana plantations, prompting residents to seek government intervention. During the meeting, community members expressed concern over the lengthy compensation process and reported that some district agricultural officials allegedly demand payment to assess crop damage, a cost many affected households cannot afford. Several residents said they had lost hope of ever receiving compensation.

UWA field team was headed by Chief Warden Mr. Fred Wanyama, accompanied by the Assistant Commissioner Human-Wildlife Conflict, Mr. Geoffrey Mwedde, and the Senior Human-Wildlife Conflict Officer, Ms. Sharon Kamuganga, used the meeting, to explain the wildlife compensation process and clarify how eligible claims are verified and handled.

UWA management also updated residents on ongoing mitigation measures, including the excavation of a trench intended and the planned construction of an electric fence to prevent buffaloes from crossing into community land

The community appreciated the intervention and expressed renewed confidence that their concerns are being heard and addressed. They are very hopeful that the intervention put in place will help reduce crop destruction.

Following the meeting, UWA officials and community leaders visited the trench works and inspected gardens that had recently been damaged by buffaloes. The visit reaffirmed UWA’s commitment to working closely with neighboring communities to protect livelihoods while conserving Uganda’s wildlife heritage.

The meeting was attended by the LC I Chairperson of Minekye Village, the NRM Chairperson, the LC III Chairperson of Sanga Sub-county, the Councilor representing Sanga Sub-county, the Chairperson of the Nshara Community Collaborative Committee, other local leaders, and members of the community.

In an effort to increase the population of the Nubian giraffe, enhance biodiversity, and diversify tourism experiences, UWA has reawakened the translocations of Nubian giraffes.

The latest translocation involved moving six Nubian giraffes from Murchison Falls National Park to Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Madi-Okollo district. Among the six giraffes relocated, four are females and two are males.

The translocation follows UWA’s National Giraffe Conservation Strategy and Action Plan (2020–2030) that focuses on expanding shrinking habitats, executing strategic translocations, strengthening anti-poaching measures, and boosting local tourism through science-backed conservation of the critically endangered Nubian giraffe.

Supported by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation,which actively promotes giraffe conservation, the translocation that targets a total of 12 Nubian giraffes, is in accordance with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation guidelines, which require scientific evidence to support wildlife translocations.

Dr. Patrick Atimned, Assistant Commissioner Veterinary Services at UWA and leader of the translocation team, explained that beyond promoting biodiversity, the Nubian giraffe introduced in Ajai is geared towards boasting tourism, making towards Uganda’s ATMS strategy (which includes tourism development), that aims at increasing the economy tenfold, from about $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040.

This is not the first time Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has relocated giraffes. Between 2015 and 2016, during the initial giraffe translocation effort, UWA, supported by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation  moved 15 Nubian giraffes (4 males and 11 females) from Murchison Falls Conservation Area to Lake Mburo National Park. Further translocations from Murchison Falls National Park have also taken place within its southern bank, and others to Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), Kidepo National Park, Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, and Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Arthur Muneza, the East Africa Coordinator for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, noted that these efforts have been successful, as the Nubian giraffe population has now grown to over 2,500 individuals, with Uganda hosting nearly half of this number.

However, Muneza pointed out that challenges remain due to poachers setting wire snares intended for small antelopes, which inadvertently injure giraffes. This negatively impacts their well-being and population numbers.

At the National Biodiversity and Conservation Research Symposium held on June 22, 2026, at Kampala Nile Resort in Namanve, Mukono, while reviewing the Giraffe Conservation Plan, which emphasized the importance of scientific monitoring, genetic management, habitat protection, and community involvement for the species’ long-term survival—John Makombo, UWA’s Commissioner for Biodiversity Management, explained that the Authority has strengthened veterinary services and increased surveillance across all protected areas to combat poaching. He expressed confidence that these strategies will lead to further conservation successes.

Uganda Wildlife Authority has officially launched three strategies; the  Strategic Plan , the Service Delivery Standards, and the Client Charter 2026-2030. These are designed to enhance wildlife conservation, improve institutional performance, and boost service delivery over the coming five years.

The three documents provide roadmap for delivering conservation mandate, improving operational efficiency, enhancing accountability and demonstrating UWA’s transparency and public confidence in services provided.

Officiating at the launch, the Deputy Head of Public Service responsible for Performance and Service Delivery, Ms. Jane Kyarisiima Mwesiga, commended UWA for developing instruments that align with Government’s public service reform agenda and national development priorities.

She noted that Uganda’s wildlife remains one of the country’s greatest national assets contributing significantly to the revenue generation, employment opportunities and economic transformation. She emphasized that the success of the strategic Plan will be measured by improved conservation efforts, increased tourism revenues, enhanced visitor experiences, stronger partnerships with neighboring communities.

“The Strategic Plan, client Charter and Service Delivery Standards are not merely compliance documents. They are instruments for driving performance, creating public trust ensuring that institutions deliver tangible results for citizens,” she said.

Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Godfrey Seremba reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing policy guidance and oversight to support the successful implementation of the three instruments.

He said the Strategic Plan provided UWA’s roadmap for the next five years, while the Service Delivery Standards establish the quality of services stakeholders should expect from the UWA, and the Client Charter reinforces transparency, accountability and service delivery.

The Chairman Board of Trustees was represented by Dr. Stella Atm, said the documents align with the Uganda Vision 2040, the Fourth National Development Plan and the broader Public Service reform agenda, positioning UWA to effectively deliver on its conservation mandate while continuously improving service delivery.

Speaking at the launch, UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi said the Strategic Plan sets a clear direction for UWA to strengthen  wildlife conservation through innovation, technology and strategic partnerships.

“Our Strategic Plan will leverage technology, including drones, forensic science, GIS and digital systems, to strengthen anti-poaching efforts, improve wildlife protection and enhance conservation management,” Dr Musinguzi said.

He added that UWA will diversify tourism products by developing new experiences such as water-based tourism, buttery tourism and other unique attractions to enhance visitor experiences, while strengthening habitat restoration, community conservation and enhancing institutional capacity.

Dr. Musinguzi noted that successful implementation of the Strategic Plan will require continued collaboration with Government, development partners, the private sector, and the communities neighboring the protected areas.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has received a field vehicle and 150 smart mobile phones through the European Union-funded NaturAfrica Program for Biodiversity and Livelihoods in Africa to boost conservation efforts in the Kidepo–Turkana trans-boundary area.

Michael Kegwin from Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) officially handed over the Toyota Land Cruiser single-cabin vehicle and the mobile phones to UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi.

During the handover at UWA headquarters in Kampala, Dr. Musinguzi expressed gratitude to the European Union, the Uganda Conservation Foundation, and all project collaborators for their ongoing support of wildlife conservation. He highlighted that the vehicle will enhance UWA’s field operations, while the 150 mobile phones will improve communication, coordination, and prompt reporting by field personnel, thereby strengthening the execution of conservation activities throughout the Kidepo–Turkana landscape.

On behalf of the EU NaturAfrica program, Kegwin thanked Uganda Wildlife Authority for their cooperation in working towards making Kidepo National Park a better wildlife habitat.

The Kidepo–Turkana Landscape Connectivity Project is implemented under the European Union-funded NaturAfrica Program and seeks to strengthen ecological connectivity, improve biodiversity conservation, enhance climate resilience, and support sustainable livelihoods across the transboundary landscape shared by Uganda and Kenya.

From June 22nd to 24th, 2026, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College (UWRTC), hosted the inaugural National Biodiversity and Conservation Research Symposium. This event brought together researchers from universities, government bodies, conservation groups, and international partners to discuss how science should support conservation decisions in Uganda.

The symposium, held at Kampala Nile Resort in Namanve under the theme “Biodiversity Under Threat: Science, Innovation and Collaborative Responses,” was opened by UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musingzi. He emphasized the crucial role of research in tackling the increasing threats to biodiversity, stating, “We must keep producing scientific evidence to guide conservation decisions. Biodiversity is essential for our survival and development, and conservation efforts must be driven by research and innovation.”

Dr. Musinguzi revealed UWA’s plan to launch a dedicated Wildlife Research Journal to offer researchers a reputable platform for sharing scientific results and promoting evidence-based wildlife management throughout Uganda. He called on the government, development partners, and conservation organizations to boost funding for scientific research, stressing that successful conservation depends on reliable data.

He also expressed the hope that the symposium would become an annual national event where scientists, policymakers, and conservation managers can regularly share knowledge and innovations.

Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College Principal Mr. Robert Baluku described the symposium as a significant step towards enhancing the country’s conservation research framework. He explained that one key reason for organizing the event was to close the gap between research institutions and field practitioners while encouraging innovation that directly supports biodiversity conservation and wildlife management. The symposium also provided a platform for emerging scientists and students to interact with experienced researchers and policymakers as Uganda seeks homegrown solutions to increasingly complex environmental issues.

Baluku stressed that research institutions have a duty not only to generate knowledge but also to ensure that scientific evidence reaches decision-makers and leads to practical conservation actions.

UWA Board Chairperson Dr. James Kalema urged conservationists to adopt scientific innovation and international cooperation to address biodiversity loss, emphasizing, “We cannot protect what we do not understand. Advancing genetic research, scientific innovation, and global collaboration is vital to stop biodiversity loss, restore damaged ecosystems, and secure a sustainable future for life on Earth.”

His remarks highlighted the growing significance of modern technologies such as genetics, ecological monitoring, and data analytics in enhancing wildlife conservation amidst increasing pressures from climate change, habitat destruction, invasive species, and human activities.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, the Guest of Honor, Dr. Bashir Ajer, noted that the symposium is timely as Uganda continues to face emerging conservation challenges like human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, ecosystem degradation, and rising pressure on protected areas. He called for stronger integration of scientific research into the operational activities of both the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and Uganda Wildlife Authority.

He commended researchers and conservation scientists for producing knowledge that supports sustainable development and urged them to ensure their work extends beyond academic publications to directly influence government policy and conservation practices, emphasizing that evidence alone, without adaptation, leads to no change. He also reaffirmed the government’s dedication to research, innovation, and ecosystem restoration.

Mr. John Makombo, UWA Commissioner Biodiversity Conservation, stated that UWA is continuously strengthening partnerships with universities, research institutions, and conservation organizations to enhance understanding of wildlife populations, ecosystem health, and emerging environmental threats. He highlighted that the findings shared at the symposium illustrate the importance of collaboration between scientists and conservation practitioners in creating practical solutions to issues such as habitat degradation, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts.

Dr. Caroline Asiimwe, Assistant Commissioner Research and Ecological Monitoring at UWA, explained that Uganda Wildlife Authority has put in place a research permit system to ensure that scientific studies conducted in protected areas align with national conservation priorities while upholding high ethical and technical standards. She noted that researchers must submit detailed proposals for review by UWA’s technical team before permits are granted, after which the Authority provides field coordination and oversight to ensure the research directly benefits biodiversity conservation.

Dr. Asiimwe encouraged researchers to share their results with UWA upon completing their studies, emphasizing that scientific evidence generated through research is vital for guiding wildlife management decisions, policy development, and long-term conservation planning.

The symposium also highlighted ongoing scientific tools such as the EarthRanger application, which is used to monitor wildlife across various Conservation Areas. This tool has proven effective in addressing human-wildlife conflicts by providing real-time information that assists rangers during patrols.

A broad range of topics were discussed by various researchers and conservationists during the symposium, including wildlife ecology, biodiversity monitoring, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, invasive species management, community conservation, protected area management, and emerging technologies supporting conservation research. These discussions reflect Uganda’s growing scientific capacity to develop local solutions for local conservation challenges.

Uganda is recognized as one of Africa’s most biologically diverse countries, home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, over 1,000 bird species, hundreds of mammal species, and thousands of plant species spread across forests, wetlands, savannas, and freshwater ecosystems.

Nevertheless, this biodiversity faces increasing threats from habitat destruction, illegal wildlife trade, climate change, invasive species, and rising competition for land and natural resources. These challenges underscore the urgent need for strong scientific research to guide conservation investments and policy measures.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has acquired a set of road construction and maintenance machinery purchased through the IFPA-CD World Bank Project to enhance infrastructure development and improve access within protected areas. The official handover took place on June 15, 2026, at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe, where the contracted suppliers formally transferred the equipment to UWA.

As part of the project, UWA engaged M/s Mantrac Uganda Limited and M/s Muhick International Limited to provide road maintenance and construction machinery, including four excavators, three motor graders, four tractors with accessories, and four bulldozers. So far, eleven machines comprising three motor graders, four excavators, and four tractors with accessories have been delivered. These will be deployed in key conservation sites such as Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Kibale National Park, and Queen Elizabeth National Park to support road upkeep, infrastructure enhancement, and operational efficiency.

During the handover, the suppliers expressed gratitude to UWA for the opportunity and pledged to deliver the remaining equipment by the end of June 2026, in accordance with the contract terms.

UWA’s Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, praised the suppliers for meeting their contractual commitments and delivering the machinery on schedule. He highlighted that the equipment will be vital for opening and maintaining trails within protected areas, removing invasive plant species, and improving access for conservation management and tourism activities. He further noted that the machinery will boost UWA’s ability to maintain road networks, enhance accessibility, and improve operations across conservation zones, which will also help boosting tourism.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has today taken possession of wildlife contraband that had been held by the Uganda Aviation Police for more than 14 years.

This contraband, which was confiscated during joint operations at Entebbe International Airport between 2011 and 2025, weighs a total of 8,857.84 kilograms and includes items such as ivory, pangolin scales, rhino horns, and various other wildlife products.

At the handover ceremony, Superintendent of Police Adam Kitata, represented by SP Irene Mugoya, expressed appreciation to UWA for assuming responsibility for the exhibits, which had occupied valuable storage space. She commended the officers who preserved the integrity of the contraband throughout its long custody. It was noted that some ivory was hidden inside tins labeled as Shea butter, demonstrating the lengths traffickers go to avoid detection. However, improved security measures, including the introduction of a canine unit in 2018, have significantly reduced wildlife trafficking cases.

UWA Assistant Commissioner Law Enforcement and Operations, Margret Kasumba, thanked the Aviation Police for securely holding the contraband for over 14 years.

She confirmed that UWA and the Aviation Police had regularly conducted inventory checks to verify the accuracy of the records, ensuring that all items corresponded with the original seizure documents. Kasumba emphasized the importance of cooperation among UWA, the Uganda Police Force, and other security agencies in combating wildlife crime and properly managing wildlife exhibits.

The contraband will now be under the custody of UWA as investigations and legal proceedings continue in accordance with the law.

For more than 30 years, a group of researchers in collaboration with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, conducted a study on the social behaviors of chimpanzees, focusing particularly on their social structures. The chimpanzees studied were located in Ngogo within Kibale National Park in western Uganda.

In general, chimpanzees exhibit hostile inter-group relations across most or all of their geographic range, characterized by aggressive encounters between members of neighboring communities during foraging and patrols, where individuals from one community search for neighbors near territorial boundaries.

Attacks, which can sometimes be fatal, involve coalitions of adult males, targeting individuals across all age and sex classes. However, the risk of lethal inter-group coalitionary aggression is highest for adult males and infants, while it is lowest for sexually swollen females. The research indicates that this lethal aggression is driven by territorial disputes, as chimpanzees are highly territorial, as well as struggles for leadership, which extend to competition for sexual partners.

Dr. Margret Kobusingye, affiliated with the Department of Environmental Management at Makerere University and a participant in the research, states that the study examined chimpanzee behavior on a daily basis, from morning to dusk.

It revealed that the first breakup in Ngogo, a community known for having the largest number of chimpanzees in the world, occurred in 2015 due to a flu outbreak that resulted in the deaths of nearly 25 chimpanzees. This event significantly impacted the once large family, leading to some chimpanzees migrating west while others remained in the central area.

Over time, without the entire community reuniting, the chimpanzees established separate territories, including central and western regions. When a few individuals attempted to cross into another territory, they were killed, predominantly the males.

Due to the philopatric nature of male chimpanzees, which indicates that they do not migrate between communities, the research revealed that over the years, it became apparent that only females were crossing between groups, while some males remained stationary. This observation suggested that the alpha males had successfully established their territories, with Jackson claiming the central area and Younger taking control of the western region.

Younger’s attempt to venture into the Central region in search of food resulted in a confrontation that led to fatalities, thereby confirming the definitive separation of the previously united Ngogo family, which had comprised over 200 individuals, now divided into the Ngogo and Kanyawara groups.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7344277_Lethal_intergroup_aggression_by_chimpanzees_in_Kibale_National_Park_Uganda
 

The Chief Warden of Kibale Conservation Area, John Justice Tibesigwa, stated that following the widespread dissemination of these scientific findings, which have been referred to as a Chimpanzee Civil War and have gone viral, both local and international media, along with tourists, flocked to Kibale National Park, eager to witness the chimpanzee conflict. However, this was not the case, and instead, the opportunity was utilized to educate visitors about the social lives of chimpanzees, which bear striking similarities to human social structures, given that the two species share approximately 95% to 98.8% Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially welcomed 44 new Honorary Wildlife Officers as part of its efforts to enhance conservation programs and reinforce Uganda’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage.

During the inauguration ceremony held at Skyz Hotel in Kampala, the Cabinet Minister for the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, represented by the Director of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities Dr. Basil Ajer, congratulated the newly appointed officers. He encouraged them to leverage their networks to promote conservation and environmental responsibility throughout the country.

He stated, “The honorary framework continues to play a vital role in research and development, fostering sustainable management of our natural heritage, and supporting national conservation initiatives.”

UWA Board Chairman, Prof. James Kalema, described the inauguration as the start of a significant journey in wildlife conservation and environmental protection in Uganda. He urged the officers to be active, dedicated, and visible advocates for conservation within their communities and professions.

He emphasized, “We expect you to support conservation awareness, environmental stewardship, community involvement, intelligence sharing, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife. In carrying out your duties, always maintain integrity, professionalism, patriotism, discipline, and commitment.”

Prof. Kalema also highlighted that the UWA Board of Trustees recognizes that successful wildlife conservation depends on strong partnerships among the Uganda Wildlife Authority, local communities, leaders, and committed citizens like the Honorary Wildlife Officers. The board looks forward to collaborating closely with them to raise conservation awareness, encourage community participation, mobilize public support, and strengthen ties with conservation organizations.

UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi remarked that the inauguration is a meaningful occasion to reflect on the contributions of Honorary Wildlife Officers to wildlife conservation in Uganda, enhance cooperation, and share experiences.

He noted, “You are joining a respected network of individuals dedicated to supporting wildlife conservation and protecting Uganda’s natural heritage. We expect you to serve with patriotism, professionalism, dedication, and integrity while promoting conservation values within your communities, institutions, and spheres of influence.”

The Honorary Wildlife Officers framework, established under the Uganda Wildlife Act Cap 315, remains a crucial element in assisting the Uganda Wildlife Authority with implementing conservation programs and raising awareness about conservation across the country.

The Chairperson of the Honorary Wildlife Officers, Capt. John Emilly Otekat, expressed gratitude to the UWA Board of Trustees for entrusting them with the responsibility of fulfilling their roles, even after some members are no longer in direct public service. He committed to providing ongoing support with a spirit of patriotism towards the Uganda Wildlife Authority.