The merger between Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) was officially completed yesterday at a grand ceremony held at Sheraton Hotel, presided over by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka.
The merger 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.
The event marked the formal handover of responsibilities from the UWEC Board of Trustees to the UWA Board of Trustees, symbolizing a major milestone in Uganda’s conservation history.
According to UWA, 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,” UWA noted in a statement.
The occasion also featured the launch of the National Conservation Education Strategy by the Minister – Hon. Mugarra – who praised the merger as a timely initiative that 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,” he stated.
Hon. Mugarra urged UWA to receive UWEC staff warmly and work together as a unified team, emphasizing the importance of building strong collaboration.
“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,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of the newly launched National Conservation Education Strategy, underscoring its role in increasing awareness and encouraging public participation in conservation efforts, especially among the 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 added.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the merger.
She highlighted the importance of streamlining operations to ensure efficiency and maximize resources in wildlife conservation efforts.
“This merger exemplifies the government’s dedication to enhancing the effectiveness of our public institutions through the Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) program,” she noted.
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.
“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. I encourage all of us to embrace this change as an opportunity to work together to achieve even greater results for wildlife conservation in Uganda,” he said.
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.
“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,” he remarked.
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,” he said.
The event was attended by the 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.