The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) have officially completed their merger, signaling a significant shift in the country’s approach to wildlife conservation and public education.
The formal handover of responsibilities from the UWEC Board of Trustees to the UWA Board of Trustees took place at a ceremony held at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. Presided over by the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the event also saw the launch of the National Conservation Education Strategy, a key framework aimed at enhancing public engagement in conservation efforts.
Speaking at the event, Minister Martin Mugarra Bahinduka praised the merger as a timely initiative that would bolster Uganda’s capacity to protect its wildlife and engage the public.
“This merger is critical to improving our wildlife management, enhancing public education, and promoting sustainable tourism. By combining UWA’s operational expertise with UWEC’s public outreach and education, we are creating a stronger institution to better serve our wildlife and our people,” he stated.
He urged UWA to warmly integrate UWEC’s staff and emphasized the importance of teamwork to drive progress. “I want to hear more progress as a result of this merger. It is essential that this partnership delivers tangible improvements in our conservation efforts and public engagement,” Mugarra added.
The Minister also highlighted the newly launched National Conservation Education Strategy, emphasizing its role in fostering a greater sense of responsibility among Ugandans toward wildlife conservation, especially targeting youth. “This strategy will be essential in educating Ugandans about the value of wildlife and instilling a sense of responsibility toward conserving our natural heritage for future generations,” he remarked.
Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, echoed the Minister’s sentiments and reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the merger under the Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) program.
“This merger exemplifies the government’s dedication to enhancing the effectiveness of our public institutions through the RAPEX program,” she noted, underscoring the importance of streamlining operations to maximize resources in wildlife conservation.
Prof. James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to the outgoing UWEC Board and emphasized UWA’s commitment to ensuring a smooth transition. “I want to assure you that we approach this transition with a deep sense of responsibility. We are committed to making this merger as seamless as possible, ensuring that the vision and mission of both UWA and UWEC are preserved and strengthened,” Prof. Kalema said. He urged all stakeholders to embrace the merger as an opportunity to work together for greater success in wildlife conservation.
Outgoing Chairman of UWEC’s Board of Trustees, Benon Sebina-Katumba, reflected on UWEC’s contributions over the years and expressed confidence in its future under UWA’s leadership. “This merger ensures that UWEC’s vital work in wildlife education and rescue will not only continue but thrive under UWA. Together, we are better equipped to protect Uganda’s natural heritage,” Sebina-Katumba noted, adding that UWEC’s legacy of wildlife rescue and education would be well-preserved.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the outgoing Executive Director of UWEC, highlighted the center’s achievements during his tenure, particularly in wildlife rescue and education. He urged UWA’s leadership to build upon these successes. “It has been an honor to lead UWEC, and I am confident that this merger with UWA will bring even greater success in our shared mission to protect Uganda’s wildlife and educate the public on its importance. I urge UWA to continue making UWEC a beacon of excellence in conservation education,” Musinguzi said.
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The event was graced by notable figures, including former Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, now Senior Presidential Advisor on Economics, Manifesto Implementation, and Member of Cabinet, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu, as well as board members and staff from both UWA and UWEC, conservation partners, and representatives from the tourism private sector under the Uganda Tourism Association, among others.
About the Merger
The merger between UWA and UWEC was implemented under the government’s Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) program. This initiative is aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing redundancy in public service. By combining UWA’s expertise in managing national parks, wildlife reserves, and protected areas with UWEC’s strengths in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and public education, the merger is expected to create a more streamlined approach to wildlife conservation in Uganda.
The unified entity will not only improve coordination in conserving biodiversity but will also promote sustainable tourism and elevate public awareness about the importance of Uganda’s wildlife heritage. This merger represents a critical step toward the efficient use of public resources, while advancing the country’s conservation goals.
