The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime has appointed Dr. James Musinguzi as the new Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), effective April 01, 2025.
He will succeed Mr. Sam Mwandha, who will bow out on March 31, 2025, after serving as Executive Director since 2018.
In a statement issued by UWA welcoming Dr. Musinguzi, the Authority noted that they look forward to his leadership.
Dr. Musinguzi is a dedicated conservationist with extensive experience in wildlife management, conservation education, and community conservation among many others. He previously served as the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), where he championed conservation awareness, wildlife rescue, and public engagement.
“We look forward to his leadership in advancing our mission to conserve and sustainably manage Uganda’s wildlife resources for present and future generations,” the statement reads in part.
Following the merger of UWEC and UWA, Dr. Musinguzi was appointed Director of Community Conservation and Ex Situ Wildlife Services, a position he held since October 2024.
UWA also commended Mwandha’s efforts over the years as he steered the institution towards upholding its mandate.
“As Mr. Mwandha retires, UWA acknowledges his outstanding leadership over the past seven years, during which he enhanced wildlife protection, strengthened community conservation efforts, expanded anti-poaching initiatives, and improved the tourism potential of Uganda’s protected areas,” UWA said.
Mwandha’s tenure, UWA added, has left a lasting impact on Uganda’s conservation landscape, “and UWA extends its deepest gratitude for his dedicated service.”
UWA and UWEC officially completed their merger in October 2024 at a ceremony presided over by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka at Sheratoh Hotel, Kampala.