The completion of the merger between the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) on October 17, 2024, signals a transformative chapter in Uganda’s conservation efforts and approach.
This consolidation of efforts between two key pillars in the wildlife sector underlines Uganda’s commitment to protecting its rich biodiversity while strengthening public engagement in conservation.
This merger, presided over by Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, took place at a prestigious event at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. It marked the official transfer of responsibilities from UWEC to UWA, highlighting a strategic move to enhance Uganda’s conservation capacity. With UWA’s operational expertise and UWEC’s strengths in public education, this union is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, and education.
For decades, both UWA and UWEC have played key but distinct roles in wildlife conservation. UWA has excelled in managing national parks and wildlife reserves, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable tourism. UWEC, on the other hand, has been a pillar for wildlife education, rescue, and rehabilitation, connecting the public with the significance of preserving Uganda’s rich natural heritage. Their complementary roles are now integrated into a single institution, allowing for a more seamless, resource-efficient, and impactful approach to wildlife management.
Hon. Bahinduka hailed the merger as a crucial milestone for wildlife conservation in Uganda, emphasizing that the amalgamation of these two bodies will improve both operational efficiency and public education efforts. “By combining UWA’s operational expertise with UWEC’s public outreach, we are creating a stronger institution to better serve our wildlife and our people,” he remarked.
This enhanced collaboration is expected to fuel a new era in conservation efforts. UWA’s robust infrastructure, along with UWEC’s public engagement programs, presents an opportunity to amplify wildlife protection initiatives and instil a conservation culture, particularly among Uganda’s youth.
In tandem with the merger, the event also saw the launch of the National Conservation Education Strategy, an initiative designed to increase public participation in wildlife conservation. Hon. Bahinduka emphasized that this strategy will play a critical role in raising awareness of the intrinsic value of wildlife and fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility in conservation efforts. The strategy is particularly focused on the youth, who are seen as crucial to ensuring the long-term success of Uganda’s environmental stewardship.
With the launch of this strategy, Uganda is positioning itself as a leader in wildlife education, ensuring that conservation is not only the responsibility of a few but a shared national priority. By embedding wildlife education into national curricula and community outreach programs, the country aims to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.
The merger of UWA and UWEC is also part of the broader Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) program, an initiative aimed at improving the efficiency of public service delivery. By merging these two agencies, Uganda expects to reduce redundancies, streamline operations, and maximize resources dedicated to wildlife protection.
Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that this merger results in more effective conservation efforts. “This merger exemplifies the government’s dedication to enhancing the effectiveness of our public institutions, ensuring that we are using resources wisely while achieving greater outcomes for wildlife conservation,” she stated.
The merger represents a critical moment of reflection for Uganda, as it aligns its conservation goals with global best practices while maintaining a focus on sustainable tourism. For stakeholders, it is also a demonstration of Uganda’s commitment to preserving its wildlife and natural resources amid increasing environmental pressures.
Prof. James Kalema – Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, and Dr. James Musinguzi, the outgoing Executive Director of UWEC, underlined the importance of preserving the legacies of both institutions. While the merger brings about structural changes, both leaders affirmed that the mission of protecting Uganda’s wildlife and educating the public will remain central to the unified entity.
Dr. Musinguzi highlighted UWEC’s achievements in wildlife education and rehabilitation and expressed his optimism that these successes will only grow under UWA’s leadership. “Together, we are better equipped to protect Uganda’s natural heritage,” he noted, adding that UWA’s management will be critical in consolidating UWEC’s gains and continuing its tradition of excellence in conservation education.
The UWA-UWEC merger represents a new beginning for wildlife conservation in Uganda. By combining their respective strengths, these two institutions are better positioned to tackle the challenges of biodiversity conservation, public education, and sustainable tourism holistically. The merger also signals a broader commitment to enhancing Uganda’s position as a global leader in conservation, ensuring that future generations inherit a well-protected, thriving natural heritage.
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