By Frank Kamuntu
In a move that promises to usher in a fresh chapter for Uganda’s wildlife conservation efforts, Dr. James Musinguzi has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The announcement, which has been met with widespread enthusiasm, confirms that Dr. Musinguzi will assume his new role effective April 1, 2025.
Dr. Musinguzi takes the reins from Mr. Sam Mwandha, whose commendable leadership over two terms has left an indelible mark on UWA. Known for his tireless work ethic and visionary approach, Dr. Musinguzi brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of transformative leadership to his new position.
Academically, Dr Musinguzi holds;
1. Bachelor of Science with Education (Biology)
2. Post graduate diploma in Project Planning and Management
3. Master of Science in Biology
4. Master in Business Administration
5. PhD Management; and has over 20 continuous development certificates in Corporate Governance, Public Administration and Management, Strategic Procurement and Logistics Management to mention but a few.
He has also carried studies on various topics including;
- PhD thesis-The Efficacy of Institutional systems in Managing Wildlife Trade in Uganda
- MBA Dissertation: Strategic Planning and Organisational Growth, a case of ACTV
- MSc Dissertation: The impact of fire on the forest dynamics in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, South Western Uganda
A Legacy Of Excellence At UWEC
Prior to this appointment, Dr. Musinguzi served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) from December 2010 until its merger with UWA in October 2024. His tenure at UWEC was nothing short of remarkable, marked by groundbreaking achievements that elevated the institution to regional and international prominence.
Under his stewardship, UWEC underwent a dramatic transformation, becoming a beacon of wildlife conservation and education in East, West, and Central Africa. Here are some of the key milestones achieved during his leadership:
1. Enhanced Visitor Experience;
Dr. Musinguzi revolutionized UWEC’s offerings by introducing innovative tourism products and services. Among the standout initiatives was the launch of a floating restaurant on Lake Victoria, providing visitors with a one-of-a-kind dining experience surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
2. Infrastructure Development:
His visionary leadership saw the construction of paved roads, state-of-the-art animal exhibits, and expanded facilities. Notable projects included a new giraffe exhibit, an elephant holding area, and an expanded chimpanzee island. These developments not only improved animal welfare but also significantly enhanced visitor engagement.
3. Increased Revenue and Funding:
Dr. Musinguzi’s strategic initiatives led to a dramatic increase in UWEC’s budget, which grew from Shs4.469 billion in 2017/2018 to Shs21.6 billion in 2023/24. Non-tax revenue also saw a substantial rise, climbing from Shs3.2 billion in 2017/2018 to Shs5.2 billion in 2023/2024, with projections to reach Shs10.4 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year.
4. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation:
Under his guidance, UWEC’s animal rescue efforts more than doubled, from 152 animals rescued in 2017 to 348 in 2023. This remarkable achievement underscored his commitment to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation.
5. International Recognition:
Dr. Musinguzi’s unwavering dedication to excellence earned UWEC global acclaim, including 2024 Pan African Pyramid Global award among other prestigious awards for outstanding contributions to wildlife.
A Seamless Transition to UWA
Following the UWEC-UWA merger in October 2024, Dr. Musinguzi was appointed as the Director of Community Conservation, a role in which he continued to demonstrate his exceptional leadership skills. His promotion to Executive Director of UWA is a testament to his unparalleled expertise and unwavering commitment to Uganda’s wildlife and natural heritage.
Future Of UWA
As Dr. Musinguzi prepares to take on his new role, expectations are high. His proven ability to drive innovation, foster community engagement, and secure sustainable funding positions him as the ideal leader to steer UWA into a new era of growth and conservation excellence.
One would add that, Uganda’s wildlife and natural ecosystems are in capable hands, and the nation eagerly anticipates the transformative impact of Dr. Musinguzi’s leadership as his appointment brings renewed hope and excitement to Uganda’s wildlife conservation initiatives, and his track record suggests that he will continue to inspire progress for years to come.
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