UWA Ushers In UWEC In The Ongoing Government RAPEX Program.
Diana KIbuuka 
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) have officially been merged – This was witnessed at a historical event on Wednesday 16th. October at Sheraton Hotel – Kampala. Presiding over the ceremony, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka said the merger will enhance Uganda’s conservation capacity and public engagement.
“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,” stated Mugarra.
He urged UWA to receive UWEC staff warmly and work together as a unified team and emphasized the importance of building strong collaboration.
The occasion also featured the launch of the National Conservation Education Strategy by the Minister and he highlighted the importance of the newly launched National Conservation Education Strategy, emphasizing its role in increasing awareness and encouraging public participation in conservation efforts, especially among the youth. The strategy aims at educating Ugandans about the value of wildlife and instilling a sense of responsibility toward conserving our natural heritage for future generations.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime stressed the government’s commitment to supporting this merger – she highlighted the importance of streamlining operations to ensure efficiency and maximize resources in wildlife conservation efforts.
Prof. James Kalema the Chairman of UWA Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to the outgoing UWEC Board of Trustees and reassured them that UWA approaches this merger with care and a sense of responsibility.
The outgoing Chairman of UWEC Board of Trustees Benon Sebina- Katumba, reflected on UWEC’s contributions over the years, expressing confidence in the continued success of its mission under UWA’s leadership.
Dr. James Musinguzi the outgoing Executive Director of UWEC, outlined UWEC’s achievements over the years and called on UWA’s management to consolidate the gains and build on them to achieve more. He stressed the importance of maintaining UWEC’s reputation as a center of excellence in conservation education.
“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,” added Musinguzi.
Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre – UWEC now bears a new name, UWEC Conservation Area, that will cover Entebbe Botanical Gardens and the Satellite zoos in the pipeline. Following a validation process, David Musingo, former head of the Education and Information Department at UWEC has replaced Dr. James Musinguzi under a new title of Chief Warden in charge of the UWEC Conservation Area.
Dr. Musunguzi has been given new responsibilities at Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters as Senior Manager Captive Wildlife Services – UWA.
About the Merger
The merger between Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) was implemented under the government’s Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) program, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing duplication 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, this merger is designed to create a more streamlined and effective approach to wildlife conservation. The unified entity will ensure better coordination in conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable tourism, and raising public awareness of Uganda’s wildlife heritage, ultimately contributing to more efficient use of public resources while achieving the country’s conservation goals.
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