Dr Musinguzi Hails Honorary Wildlife Officers As UWA Inducts 44 Conservation Champions

By Swift Reporter

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has inducted a fresh cohort of Honorary Wildlife Officers, expanding its volunteer conservation corps in a move officials say will deepen community ties and bolster sustainable tourism.

The ceremony was held during UWA’s Annual General Meeting for Honorary Wildlife Officers, drawing together senior conservation officials, government representatives, and stakeholders from tourism and environmental groups.

Representing the Tourism Minister at the event, Basil Ager, the Director of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities acknowledged the achievements in Tourism and Wildlife Conservation highlighting the significant increase in tourism revenue, reaching 1.62 billion US dollars last year, a historic high for Uganda and the non-tax revenue from tourism being increased to over 509 billion Ugandan shillings in the last five years, with over 60% coming from conservation and natural tourism resources.

“Arrivals of visitors, have increased to over 1.64 million individuals, the highest ever. Additionally, if you look at the visitation to national parks, over 259,000 visitors entered the different national parks in the last financial year, compared to less than 240,000. This is a very good indicator, confirming that you’re doing a good job as a conservationist,” he said.

In his speech, the minister lauded the honorary wildlife officers for the voluntary service, dedication, and support they continue to provide towards wildlife conservation awareness in Uganda.

“Your contribution in promoting wildlife conservation, supporting environmental protection, mobilizing communities, and strengthening collaboration between Uganda Wildlife Authority and the public is widely appreciated by the government,” he noted.

The Minister also encouraged them to use their influence, knowledge, and networks to support conservation awareness, responsible environmental stewardship, and peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.

Speaking at the event, Dr James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), said that their selection is a demonstration of the confidence and trust that UWA and the government of Uganda have placed in their integrity, hard work, commitment, and passion for wildlife conservation.

“I am trying to emphasise these particular aspects, because that’s one of the reasons why you are here as either an existing wildlife officer or someone who is going to be inaugurated. Your hard work, commitment, wildlife conservation, and passion have been recognised, and this is a lifetime award for which we want to thank you,” he noted.

Dr Musinguzi also reaffirmed UWA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and support towards the Honourable Life Officers to enable them to effectively undertake their responsibilities in support of wildlife conservation.

“We recognise the important role you play, and shall continue exploring ways of enhancing coordination, facilitation, engagement, and operational support for your activities,” he remarked.

Professor James Kalema, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Uganda Wildlife Authority, encouraged the inaugurated honorary wildlife officers to remain active, committed, and visible ambassadors of conservation within the communities and beyond.

“As a board, we do expect you to support conservation awareness, environmental stewardship, community engagement, intelligence sharing and promotion of peaceful coexistence between communities and wildlife,” he emphasised.

UWA’s Honorary Wildlife Officers have been instrumental in overseeing revenue-sharing initiatives, where 20% of park entry fees are reinvested into health, education, and infrastructure projects in host communities. Recent field visits by the executive committee included assessments at Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth conservation areas.

The Honourary Wildlife Officers Framework is established under the Wildlife Act, CAP 315, and remains a vital component in supporting the Uganda Wildlife Authority in the implementation of wildlife conservation programs and the promotion of conservation awareness across the country.

A total of 44 members have been inaugurated as honorary wildlife officers and this inauguration comes as UWA ramps up efforts ahead of the 2026/27 financial year, with a focus on staff welfare, infrastructure, and expanding management to newly upgraded parks.

Officials say the expanded network of honorary wildlife officers will be key to meeting those goals while maintaining Uganda’s standing as a leader in community-based conservation.

The authority expects the new officers to act as bridges between UWA, local governments, and the tourism sector, helping translate policy into action on the ground.