The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in partnership with WildAid, hosted the prestigious second edition of the Uganda Conservation Media Awards on October 16, 2024. This unique event, the only one of its kind in Africa, recognized the vital role of media in promoting wildlife conservation and raising public awareness of environmental issues.
The awards ceremony, presided over by Hon. Martin Bahinduka Mugarra, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, celebrated journalists whose work has inspired positive change in Uganda’s conservation efforts. In his keynote address, Hon. Mugarra underscored the media’s powerful influence in encouraging Ugandans to protect their wildlife and natural resources.
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
This year’s Uganda Conservation Media Awards recognized winners across various categories for their outstanding contributions to wildlife conservation:
a) Wildlife Photograph of the Year: Raymond Kagumire – “Snared hartebeest”
b) Wildlife Protection (Print/Online): Julius Luwemba – “Sgt. Adong drops gun after 35 years of protecting wildlife” (New Vision)
c) Wildlife Protection (Radio): Victor Andama – “Reintroduction of white rhinos back to East Madi Wildlife Reserve” (Voice of Madi FM)
d) Community Conservation (Print/Online): Okello Jesus Ojara and Dramadri Frederick – “How passionate community members rescued abandoned Ajai Wildlife Reserve” (TND News Uganda)
e) Community Conservation (Radio): Wambi Michael – “Waking to the call of the elephant in Uganda” (Uganda Radio Network)
f) Community Conservation (TV/Video): Immaculate Amony and Eddy Olwa – “Community action for human-wildlife conflict” (UBC TV)
g) Wildlife Crime (Print/Online): Ronald Musoke – “Greatest elephant, pangolin massacre” (The Independent)
h) Wildlife Crime (Radio): Benjamin Jumbe – “Kamasanyu the wildlife advocate” (KFM)
i) Habitats & Environment (Print/Online): Richard Drasimaku – “The quest for the reintroduction of white rhinos in Ajai Wildlife Reserve” (West Nile News)
j) Habitats & Environment (Radio): Chowoo Willy – “Whispers in the Wilderness” (Choice FM)
k) Habitats & Environment (TV/Video): Akiza Eli and Andrew Tushabe – “How climate change has affected birds in Lake Mburo National Park” (TV West/Vision Group)
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.
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