Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) wardens from across the country convened at the 19th Wardens Assembly from January 22-24 2025 in Entebbe to address critical conservation challenges, organizational transitions, and strategies for enhancing team collaboration. The three-day assembly, held at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWEC) under the theme “Team Building in a Changing Environment,” also served as a platform to reassure staff amid ongoing structural changes.

Validation Exercise and Staff Concerns
Concerns over the ongoing validation exercise dominated discussions, with many wardens seeking clarity on its implications. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Mrs. Doreen Katusiime, reassured participants that the exercise aims to streamline operations without jeopardizing jobs. UWA Board Chairperson, Prof. James Kalema, echoed this sentiment, committing to a systematic approach to ensure staff retention and fair placements as part of the merger between UWA and UWEC.

Team Building and Managing Change
The assembly underscored the importance of embracing change through presentations and team-building activities. Commissioner of Compensation at the Ministry of Public Service, Mr. Victor Bua, outlined key drivers of change such as leadership transitions, technological advancements, and policy shifts. He emphasized overcoming resistance by adopting proactive mindsets. Interactive team-building exercises further fostered collaboration among wardens, reinforcing the importance of unity in achieving conservation goals.

Operational Challenges Across Conservation Areas
Chief Wardens from conservation areas like Kidepo Valley, Murchison Falls, and Bwindi Mgahinga highlighted operational hurdles, including inadequate funding, staffing gaps, and challenges in addressing wildlife-human conflicts. These presentations provided a platform for direct engagement with the Board of Trustees to discuss solutions.

Staff Welfare and Union Advocacy
Staff welfare took center stage as General Secretary of HTS-Union, Mauku Moses, outlined the union’s efforts in securing workers’ rights through the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). He emphasized the distinction between the CBA and the HR manual, clarifying their complementary roles in addressing staff needs.

Recognition of Excellence
In a celebratory moment, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park was honored with the “Best Sustainable Destination Award 2024” by the Ekkula Sustainable Tourism Awards. Chief Warden Guma Nelson accepted the award on behalf of the park, cementing UWA’s reputation for conservation excellence.

Way Forward
As UWA navigates organizational changes, including the retirement of Executive Director Sam Mwandha in March and the integration of UWEC, the assembly highlighted the need for resilience and collaboration. The outcomes of the assembly set the stage for improved operational efficiency and renewed commitment to Uganda’s conservation mission.