The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030, alongside new Service Delivery Standards and a Client Charter, setting out a new vision to strengthen wildlife conservation, improve public services, embrace modern technology and expand Uganda’s tourism sector.
The documents were launched during a ceremony held at Protea Hotel Kampala on Tuesday, attracting government officials, conservation partners, tourism stakeholders and development agencies.
The new five-year strategy succeeds UWA’s previous strategic plan and introduces fresh priorities focused on technology-driven conservation, stronger community partnerships, institutional accountability and the development of new tourism products.
Speaking at the launch, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi said the Authority will increasingly rely on innovation to protect Uganda’s wildlife and improve the management of protected areas.
“The new strategic plan will leverage technology, including drones, forensic science, GIS, and digital systems, to strengthen anti-poaching efforts, improve wildlife protection, and enhance conservation management,” he said.
He added that technology will become a key pillar of conservation over the next five years.
“This strategic plan places innovation at the centre of conservation. By embracing technologies such as drones, GIS, forensic science and digital platforms, we are enhancing wildlife protection, strengthening anti-poaching operations, and improving the overall management of our protected areas.”
Dr. Musinguzi said UWA also intends to strengthen collaboration with communities living near protected areas, recognising their important role in conservation.
“The new Strategic Plan will deepen collaboration with communities and key stakeholders, promote wildlife conservation beyond protected areas, support sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen compliance with national and international conservation commitments,” he added.
Beyond conservation, the Authority plans to diversify Uganda’s tourism experiences by introducing new attractions such as water-based tourism, butterfly tourism and other nature-based activities to attract more visitors and increase the country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.
During the event, UWA Assistant Commissioner for Conservation Planning Richard Kapere highlighted achievements recorded under the outgoing strategic plan.
He said UWA cleared 13,625 hectares of invasive plant species, restored 3,825 hectares of degraded habitats, recovered 374 hectares of encroached land within the Mount Elgon Conservation Area and maintained 1,153 kilometres of fire lines to protect wildlife habitats.
Kapere also revealed that the Authority carried out more than 114,000 anti-poaching patrols, recovering 156,823 illegal hunting implements and arresting 11,597 suspects over the implementation period.
He said the achievements demonstrate UWA’s continued commitment to protecting wildlife, restoring ecosystems and strengthening law enforcement across Uganda’s protected areas.
According to UWA, the new Strategic Plan is aligned with Uganda’s national development priorities and seeks to position wildlife conservation as a key contributor to sustainable tourism, environmental protection and economic growth.
Alongside the Strategic Plan, the Authority also introduced new Service Delivery Standards aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and customer experience.
Assistant Commissioner for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Justus Mpirirwe said the standards require that all visitors and clients at UWA park gates receive services within ten minutes.
He said the benchmark reflects UWA’s commitment to delivering fast, reliable and high-quality services.
Acting Commissioner for Finance Mr. Mwanje said the Service Delivery Standards represent both a promise to clients and a responsibility shared by all UWA staff.
According to him, the standards are intended to strengthen accountability, transparency and public confidence while improving institutional performance.
UWA Commissioner for Human Resources Afande Susan Muhumuza Nyatia said effective communication and timely feedback are essential in delivering quality public services.
She explained that the new standards establish clear procedures for handling complaints, monitoring service commitments and promoting accountability throughout the institution.
Nyatia also reaffirmed UWA’s commitment to protecting the confidentiality of client information while encouraging staff and members of the public to use whistleblower channels to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.
She added that UWA’s Internal Audit function will play a key role in ensuring compliance with the Service Delivery Standards while promoting integrity, transparency and continuous improvement.
UWA Head of Communications and Public Relations Bashir Hangi described the launch of the Strategic Plan, Service Delivery Standards and Client Charter as a significant milestone for the Authority.
He said the three documents demonstrate UWA’s renewed commitment to strengthening wildlife conservation, improving customer service and enhancing public accountability.
Hangi noted that while the launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Authority, the true measure of success will depend on how effectively the plans are implemented and the impact they have on wildlife conservation and service delivery.
The Strategic Plan will guide UWA’s operations until 2030 as the Authority works to conserve biodiversity, improve visitor experiences, promote sustainable tourism, strengthen institutional efficiency and support Uganda’s long-term environmental and development objectives.
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