Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in partnership with WildAid, successfully hosted the second Edition of the Uganda Conservation Media Awards, the only one of its kind in Africa, on October 16, 2024. The event, presided over by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, recognized the critical role of the media in promoting wildlife conservation and raising public awareness on environmental issues.

In his keynote address, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka applauded journalists for their dedication to impactful conservation storytelling, emphasizing the power of media to inspire change. “The media’s influence is essential in encouraging Ugandans to understand, appreciate, and act to protect our wildlife and natural resources,” he remarked. The Minister also called for strengthened collaboration between the government, conservation organizations, and the media to achieve Uganda’s conservation goals.

Prof. James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, pledged continued support for the awards, noting the impressive quality of entries this year. "The UWA Board remains committed to supporting this initiative, recognizing that media professionals play a key role in driving Uganda’s conservation efforts forward," Prof. Kalema said.

UWA Executive Director, Sam Mwandha, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the vital role of the media in informing the public and promoting wildlife conservation. “Journalists have been instrumental in raising awareness about critical issues such as poaching, habitat degradation, and human-wildlife conflict. Your work helps bridge the gap between conservationists and the communities we serve,” he said.

The winners of the second Uganda Conservation Media Awards were recognized across several categories:

1. Wildlife Photograph of the Year: Raymond Kagumire - "Snared hartebeest"
2. Wildlife Protection (Print/Online): Julius Luwemba - "Sgt. Adong drops gun after 35 years of protecting wildlife" (New Vision)
3. Wildlife Protection (Radio): Victor Andama - "Reintroduction of white rhinos back to East Madi Wildlife Reserve" (Voice of Madi FM)
4. Community Conservation (Print/Online): Okello Jesus Ojara and Dramadri Frederick - "How passionate community members rescued abandoned Ajai Wildlife Reserve" (TND News Uganda)
5. Community Conservation (Radio): Wambi Michael - "Waking to the call of the elephant in Uganda" (Uganda Radio Network)
6. Community Conservation (TV/Video): Immaculate Amony and Eddy Olwa - "Community action for human-wildlife conflict" (UBC TV)
7. Wildlife Crime (Print/Online): Ronald Musoke - "Greatest elephant, pangolin massacre" (The Independent)
8. Wildlife Crime (Radio): Benjamin Jumbe - "Kamasanyu the wildlife advocate" (KFM)
9. Habitats & Environment (Print/Online): Richard Drasimaku - "The quest for reintroduction of white rhinos in Ajai Wildlife Reserve" (West Nile News)
10. Habitats & Environment (Radio): Chowoo Willy - "Whispers in the wilderness" (Choice FM)
11. Habitats & Environment (TV/Video): Akiza Eli and Andrew Tushabe - "How climate change has affected birds in Lake Mburo National Park" (TV West/Vision Group)

Each winner bagged 5,000,000, a plaque and one-year free park entry.

Bashir Hangi, UWA’s Communications Manager, commended the winners, saying, “The level of competition this year was extremely high, and it’s clear that more journalists are engaging deeply with conservation issues. Their work is critical in shaping public opinion and promoting action.”

Maz Robertson, WildAid East Africa Representative, emphasized the role of media in amplifying conservation messages. "Journalists help bring attention to the most pressing issues, and their stories inspire both policymakers and the public to take action," she said.

The event drew media practitioners, conservation partners, and representatives from the tourism private sector, all celebrating the vital role of the media in promoting Uganda’s wildlife conservation.

This second edition saw a significant increase in both the number and quality of entries, highlighting the growing interest and engagement of journalists in conservation. The competition was tight, with submissions covering key topics such as poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and community-driven conservation efforts.

The Uganda Conservation Media Awards were established to honor and recognize journalists who demonstrate excellence in conservation reporting. The awards aim to amplify the voices of those committed to raising awareness about Uganda’s rich biodiversity and the challenges it faces. Through these awards, UWA and WildAid seek to inspire and encourage more journalists to engage with conservation issues and to ensure that the stories of Uganda’s wildlife and ecosystems reach a wider audience.