The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has called for increased use of technology in wildlife conservation. The Minister was officiating at the National Conservation Conference on December 22,2024 at the Uganda Museum under the theme “Connecting people and Planet: Exploring Digital innovation in Wildlife Conservation”.

Dr. Baryomunsi emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring technology's accessibility to the population. "You can't run away from technology if you are to have efficiency. Even in wildlife conservation and management of natural resources, technology is key. We need to embrace technology and integrate it into our work. As a ministry, we are doing a lot to ensure Uganda catches up with the rest of the world," he asserted.

Baryomunsi revealed that government has started laying backbone infrastructure and integrating with neighboring countries in as far as technology is concerned adding that government is aiming at lowering the cost of internet to boost technology in the country.

The Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority Sam Mwandha made a presentation on technology application in combating illegal wildlife trade and wildlife trafficking. He spoke with unwavering conviction about the pivotal role of technology in the fight against human-wildlife conflicts.

"Technology provides accurate monitoring information from the field that is accessible to assist anti-poaching efforts and wildlife monitoring. It promotes efficiency because it facilitates quicker processing of information but also offers real-time monitoring," Mwandha remarked, drawing on his years of experience to underline the transformative impact of technological advancements in the field.

Achilles Byaruhanga, the Executive Director of Nature Uganda, Byaruhanga emphasized the need for collective action saying that conservation was not merely the concern of institutions; rather, it was a collective responsibility for everyone. "We have looked at a more important area of technology; it is important we start reflecting on how this is applicable in the conservation of natural resources," Byaruhanga urged, encouraging a shift in perspective that recognized the role of every individual in safeguarding the planet's biodiversity.

The conference was attended by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Tourism Kakula Khirome representatives from various conservation organizations and students among others. It is one of the activities preceding the commemoration of World Wildlife Day on March 3, 2024. In Uganda, the day will be celebrated in Kyenjojo District at Kagorogoro Primary School playground. His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda Will be the Chief Guest.

World Wildlife Day is observed on March 3^rd every year to celebrate the many beautiful and varied forms of wild fauna and flora and to raise awareness of the benefits of conservation to humanity. World Wildlife Day 2024 is a platform for intergenerational exchange and youth empowerment through art, presentations and conversations on the opportunities ahead for our shared sustainable future in digital wildlife conservation.

This year’s theme offers a jumping off point for exploring what digital innovations are available now, what intersectional discrepancies we are facing and how we want our digital connectivity to evolve for all people and planet.