Uganda Wildlife Authority has today officially launched the first ever conservation media awards in Uganda.

The Uganda Conservation Media awards are aimed at promoting conservation reporting across all forms of media.

The launch doubles as a call for entries for the Uganda Conservation Media Awards 2023, to reward outstanding reporting about wildlife conservation and environmental issues.

Uganda Wildlife Authority recognizes the critical role the media plays in raising awareness, and aims to encourage, motivate and inspire journalists to produce the best in conservation reporting.

“It is our anticipation that these awards will encourage more reporting by the Ugandan media about the conservation successes in our nation, challenges and the solutions to those challenges” said Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director, Sam Mwandha. “Conserving Uganda’s wildlife and natural heritage is vitally important. Therefore, we hope to see reporting on the success stories as well as the problems” he added.

Mr. Mwandha observed that UWA works with partners including the media to execute her conservation mandate and that the role of media in conservation cannot be overstated. “Media plays a fundamental role in highlighting efforts and challenges for wildlife conservation, and helps set the agenda and frame messages for public debate. In so doing, the media influences public opinion, making it a key partner for the conservation fraternity”, said Mwandha.

The main objective of the Uganda Conservation Media Awards is to develop and promote excellence in conservation reporting.

The awards feature four categories;

1. Community conservation.
2. Wildlife protection.
3. Wildlife crime.
4. Habitats and environment.

In each category, separate awards will be given for the following media groups:

1. Print and/or online
2. Radio
3. TV

A separate award will be given for the Uganda Wildlife Photograph of the Year.

Winners will be given a cash award of 5,000,000 Uganda shillings, a winner’s plaque, and free entry to Uganda’s national parks for the winner for one year.

The awards are co-sponsored by conservation group WildAid, and winners will be announced at a special ceremony in July 2023.

“The media can play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of conservation and we are excited to be partnering with UWA to launch these awards”, said Simon Denyer, Africa Program Manager for WildAid. “We want to encourage the very best reporting on wildlife issues and we are looking forward to seeing entries.”

Eligibility

Stories published between 1^st June 2022 and 31^st May 2023 are eligible for entry.

Only Ugandan nationals are eligible to enter.

See press release for details; https://ugandawildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/UWA-LAUNCHES-CONSERVATION-MEDIA-AWARDS-IN-UGANDA..pdf