Dr. Musinguzi Unveils UWA’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, Prioritises Smarter Conservation & Enhanced Visitor Experience

By Frank Kamuntu

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially launched its Strategic Plan (2026–2030), Service Delivery Standards and Client Charter, outlining an ambitious roadmap aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation, embracing technology, improving customer service, and expanding Uganda’s tourism offerings over the next five years.

These were unveiled during a ceremony held at Protea Hotel Kampala on Tuesday 30 June 2026, bringing together government officials, conservation stakeholders, development partners and members of the tourism industry.

The new strategic plan builds on the achievements registered under UWA’s previous five-year framework while introducing new approaches to conservation management, community engagement, institutional accountability and tourism development.

Launching the new strategy, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi said innovation would be central to the Authority’s conservation agenda over the next five years.

“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.

“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 further emphasized.

He noted that the plan also seeks to strengthen partnerships with communities living around protected areas and other conservation stakeholders.

“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.

He further revealed that UWA intends to diversify Uganda’s tourism products by introducing new visitor experiences, including water-based tourism, butterfly tourism and other nature-based attractions to increase tourist arrivals and enhance the country’s competitiveness as a destination.

Speaking at the launch, UWA Assistant Commissioner for Conservation Planning, Mr. Richard Kapere, highlighted key milestones achieved under the outgoing Strategic Plan.

According to Kapere, UWA cleared 13,625 hectares of invasive species, restored 3,825 hectares of degraded habitats, recovered 374 hectares of encroached land in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area, and maintained 1,153 kilometres of fire lines to safeguard protected areas.

He added that the Authority conducted more than 114,000 anti-poaching patrols, resulting in the recovery of 156,823 poaching implements and the arrest of 11,597 suspects, achievements he said demonstrate UWA’s continued commitment to wildlife protection, habitat restoration and effective law enforcement.

According to UWA, the Strategic Plan aligns with Uganda’s national development priorities and seeks to position wildlife conservation as a key driver of sustainable tourism, environmental protection and socio-economic transformation.

Alongside the Strategic Plan, UWA also unveiled its new Service Delivery Standards aimed at improving efficiency, accountability and customer satisfaction.

Assistant Commissioner for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Justus Mpirirwe, said the standards require that all visitors and clients at UWA park gates be served within ten minutes.

He said the benchmark reflects the Authority’s commitment to providing efficient, timely and high-quality services to the public.

Acting Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mwanje, described the Service Delivery Standards as both a commitment to clients and a shared responsibility among UWA staff and stakeholders.

He said the standards reinforce accountability, transparency and credibility in service delivery, adding that their launch marks another milestone in strengthening institutional performance.

UWA Commissioner for Human Resources, Afande Susan Muhumuza Nyatia, stressed the importance of effective communication and client feedback in delivering quality public services.

She said the Service Delivery Standards establish clear procedures for handling client complaints, ensuring compliance with service commitments and promoting accountability across the institution.

Nyatia also reaffirmed UWA’s commitment to protecting the confidentiality of client information while encouraging both staff and members of the public to utilise whistleblower mechanisms to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.

She added that the Internal Audit function will play a central role in monitoring compliance with the Service Delivery Standards and strengthening integrity, transparency and continuous improvement across the Authority.

Meanwhile, UWA Head of Communications and Public Relations Mr Bashir Hangi said the launch represents a renewed commitment to strengthening wildlife conservation, improving service delivery and enhancing public accountability.

He noted that although the launch marks a significant institutional milestone, the ultimate success of the Strategic Plan, Service Delivery Standards and Client Charter will depend on their effective implementation and the tangible results they deliver for wildlife conservation and the Ugandan people.

The newly launched Strategic Plan is expected to guide UWA’s operations through 2030 as the Authority seeks to strengthen biodiversity conservation, improve visitor experiences, promote sustainable tourism, enhance institutional efficiency and contribute to Uganda’s broader environmental and development goals.