UWA Expands Conservation Network with Inauguration of New Honorary Wildlife Officers

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has officially inaugurated a new cohort of Honorary Wildlife Officers as part of its ongoing drive to strengthen wildlife conservation, deepen community participation, and support sustainable tourism development across Uganda.

The ceremony was held during the Annual General Meeting of Honorary Wildlife Officers, bringing together conservation stakeholders and leadership within the wildlife sector to reflect on progress and reinforce collaboration in protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, James Musinguzi, described the Honorary Wildlife Officers as a vital link between conservation institutions and local communities.

He emphasized that the program, established under the Uganda Wildlife Act, continues to play a key role in strengthening conservation through community mobilisation, awareness creation, intelligence sharing, and environmental stewardship.

He noted that the inauguration of new officers provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation, strengthen engagement, and expand the conservation network across the country.

UWA highlighted several ongoing developments aimed at improving conservation effectiveness and field operations. These include continued investment in visitor information centres, park gates, ranger outposts, and the acquisition of modern operational equipment.

The Authority also confirmed plans to receive more than 50 Land Cruiser vehicles to enhance mobility for field teams, alongside increased use of technology in surveillance and anti-poaching operations.

On conservation progress, UWA pointed to ongoing wildlife census exercises, expansion of protected areas, and the development of new tourism experiences, including initiatives linked to chimpanzee habitats.

However, the Authority acknowledged continued challenges such as human-wildlife conflict and the spread of invasive species, which remain key focus areas for intervention.

The UWA Board Chairperson, James Karema, underscored the importance of community involvement in conservation success, stressing that sustainable wildlife protection depends heavily on strong partnerships with local communities.

He urged the newly inaugurated Honorary Wildlife Officers to remain active in their roles as conservation ambassadors, promoting awareness, encouraging responsible resource use, and strengthening relationships between communities and conservation institutions.

Representing the Authority’s broader conservation framework, officials reiterated that Honorary Wildlife Officers are expected to support grassroots awareness campaigns, help reduce human-wildlife conflict, and promote environmental protection efforts at community level.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority continues to position the Honorary Wildlife Officers network as a critical pillar in safeguarding biodiversity, enhancing conservation awareness, and ensuring that Uganda’s wildlife resources are protected for future generations while supporting national development goals.