BIG STORY: UWA Expands Wildlife Conservation With Wild Dogs, Steps Up Fight Against Human-Wildlife Conflict

By Swift Reporter

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has expanded its ex-situ wildlife conservation programme with the addition of two African wild dogs at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe.

The male and female African wild dogs were donated by Conservation Through Commercialization (CTC) and formally handed over to UWA on Friday, bringing the number of animal species under the Authority’s care to 69.

The animals were received by Assistant Commissioner Geoffrey Mwedde on behalf of the Commissioner for Community Conservation and Ex-situ Wildlife Services, David Musingo.

The arrival of the endangered carnivores marks a significant boost to Uganda’s efforts to strengthen conservation education, scientific research and wildlife tourism while supporting the survival of threatened species.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, CTC founder Thomas Price said the partnership was aimed at strengthening Uganda’s capacity to conserve African wild dogs through collaborative initiatives.

“We believe this partnership will enhance national capacity to protect and conserve this endangered species while creating opportunities for education and research,” Price said.

Mwedde commended CTC for supporting Uganda’s wildlife conservation agenda, saying partnerships between the government and private sector are critical to protecting the country’s natural heritage.

“It is important for the Government of Uganda to continue working with the private sector to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts across the country. Such collaborations are essential for protecting our natural heritage,” he said.

Dr Recheal, Assistant Commissioner for Ex-situ Wildlife Management at UWA, said the new arrivals would strengthen the Authority’s ex-situ conservation services by creating additional opportunities for research, conservation education and tourism.

She said visitors, students and researchers would now have an opportunity to learn more about one of Africa’s most endangered carnivore species, while the animals would also help raise public awareness about the importance of protecting threatened wildlife.

UWA’s ex-situ conservation programme provides specialized facilities for wildlife education, rehabilitation, breeding and research, particularly for species that require management outside their natural habitats.

In another news, UWA has intensified efforts to address growing human-wildlife conflict in Kiruhura District following repeated incidents of buffaloes straying into community land and destroying crops.

On July 29, UWA officials held a community engagement meeting in Minekye Village, Sanga Sub-county, bringing together residents and local leaders to discuss the challenges caused by wildlife incursions.

The meeting followed reports of buffaloes entering farms and destroying crops, particularly banana plantations, leaving farmers with significant losses.

Residents used the engagement to raise concerns about the wildlife compensation process, with some alleging that district agricultural officers demand facilitation fees before assessing damaged crops.

They said such costs make it difficult for affected families to pursue compensation claims, contributing to growing frustration and loss of confidence in the system.

The UWA delegation was led by Chief Warden Fred Wanyama and included Assistant Commissioner for Human-Wildlife Conflict Geoffrey Mwedde and Senior Human-Wildlife Conflict Officer Sharon Kamuganga.

Officials explained the wildlife compensation framework to residents, including the procedures for verifying damage and determining whether claims qualify for compensation.

UWA also outlined measures being implemented to prevent further wildlife incursions, including the excavation of a trench along vulnerable sections of the protected area boundary.

The Authority further said plans were underway to construct an electric fence in strategic sections to prevent buffaloes from crossing into community land.

Residents welcomed the engagement, saying it gave them an opportunity to directly present their concerns to UWA officials and seek clarification on compensation and other interventions.

Following the meeting, UWA officials and local leaders inspected sections of the trench under construction and visited gardens that had recently been damaged by buffaloes.

The engagement, according to UWA, reflects its continued efforts to balance wildlife conservation with the protection of livelihoods in communities neighbouring protected areas.

The meeting was attended by several local leaders, including the LC I Chairperson of Minekye Village, the NRM Chairperson, the LC III Chairperson of Sanga Sub-county, the area councillor representing Sanga Sub-county, the Chairperson of the Nshara Community Collaborative Committee and other community representatives.