Uganda Wildlife Authority (abbreviated as UWA) is a partially self-governing Government agency in-charge of conserving, controlling and managing the unique wildlife species in Uganda’s Protected Areas and neighboring communities. This agency has the mandate to guarantee sustainable management of wildlife resources in addition to monitoring wildlife activities within the country. With a motto “Conserving for Generations”, Uganda Wildlife Authority is determined to preserving the country’s wildlife and their habitats for generations.
The main objectives of UWA include; utilizing wildlife potentials to bring about revenue for individuals and the Government, to preserve wildlife and other natural and scientific resources within its area of control, to search for / find any possibilities of increasing benefits to the surrounding local communities, to make certain that the integrity of Protected Areas is properly handled and to locate areas to be designated and gazetted into Protected Areas for the protection of their biodiversity, main ecosystem and natural habitats.
Location of Uganda Wildlife Authority headquarters.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority Head Office is based within the outskirts of Kampala City at Plot 7, Kira Road in Kamwokya (a City suburb). The building housing UWA Offices is flanked by the British High Commission to the East and Uganda National Museum to the west.
History of Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Uganda Wildlife Authority was initially established in 1996 after the consolidation of the Game Department and Uganda National Parks and after the passing of Uganda Wildlife Statue that eventually became an Act in 2000. But this Act was further revised in 2019 into the “Uganda Wildlife Act of 2019”.
As of 2021, the Authority is in-charge of managing up to 10 National Parks that include Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo Valley, Lake Mburo, Semuliki, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Bwindi Impenetrable, Mgahinga and Kibale Forest National Parks,
12 Wildlife Reserves including Pian Upe and Katonga Reserves among others as well as 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries. Also, 5 Community Wildlife Areas are under the management of Uganda Wildlife Authority. The different National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Community Wildlife Areas represent the best of East African region’s beauty and treasures. Their Tropical forests, sweeping savannah plains, water resources and Rift Valley Landscapes make magical backdrops to a rich fauna and flora diversity.
Traditional savannah safari experiences alongside mountain hikes, birding tours, forest walks, boat cruises and other research-related activities are provided within these phenomenal National Parks. The country is unmatched on the African Continent as a wonderful birding destination with more than 1060 bird species, many of which are indigenous to the country. There are also over 20 primate species in Uganda, including the most sought-after mountain gorillas found in Bwindi and Mgahinga as well as chimpanzees, our closest relatives.
Get a chance to explore the jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Park for mountain gorillas, the raw and untouched wilderness of Kidepo, hike the Virunga Volcanoes in Mgahinga, encounter the tree climbing lions in Queen Elizabeth Park, get an opportunity to learn about the riveting ancient tribal cultures and handcrafts when you visit any of the Park, summit the snow-capped mountains of the moon or just unwind at your place of stay fringed by jaw-dropping sights and sounds of Uganda’s hospitality.
Governance and Management of Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Uganda Wildlife Authority is governed by a 9-member Board of Trustees, chose by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. The present Board was named in 2018 under the chairmanship of Benjamin Otto – former Permanent Secretary in the Tourism Ministry and are expected to serve for 3 years. The Executive Director is Sam Mwandha, who took over leadership on 26th March 2018 from Dr. Andrew Seguya.
