UWEC Officers Francis Ruhinirwa and Onesmus Mutuuza Honored for Conservation Excellence
The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) has once again proven its commitment to wildlife conservation and education by winning two prestigious awards at the Pan-African Association of Zoos and Aquaria (PAAZA) Awards 2023 held in South Africa.
UWEC Officer Francis William Ruhinirwa was named the ‘Best Conservation Educator’ in the Education Award category, demonstrating his exceptional ability to inspire visitors to zoos and aquaria to connect with and care for nature. The accolade, which saw him triumph over fierce competition from educators across Southern Africa, highlights his dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of the natural environment.
Meanwhile, UWEC Officer Onesmus Mutuuza was honored with the highly regarded ‘Bernard Harrison Conservation Award’ in the PAAZA Keeper Excellence category. Mutuuza’s passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the animals under his care earned him this prestigious recognition. Along with the award, he was also presented with a USD 1,000 cash prize, underlining the significance of his contributions to the field of conservation.
The PAAZA Awards, an annual event celebrating outstanding contributions to ex-situ conservation, have been a staple of the wildlife conservation community for over two decades. This year’s event took place at the Sun Boardwalk Hotel and Conference Centre in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of UWEC, accepted the awards on behalf of Ruhinirwa and Mutuuza. In his statement, Dr. Musinguzi expressed pride in the accomplishments of the two honorees and highlighted their diligence and humanity in serving at UWEC.
UWEC, a distinguished member of PAAZA, has been recognized for its proficiency, professionalism, and impact in the field of wildlife conservation and education. The organization has consistently upheld modern zoo best practices by creating supportive environments for animals, personnel, and the public. UWEC has actively contributed to biodiversity maintenance, community benefit management, and the provision of educational opportunities for learning about animals and their habitats.
The awards received by Francis Ruhinirwa and Onesmus Mutuuza not only bring honor to their names but also shine a spotlight on Uganda’s commitment to conservation efforts. These accolades serve as a testament to the dedication of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to safeguard our planet’s precious biodiversity.
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