The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the formal handover of office from outgoing Executive Director Mr. Sam Mwandha to Dr. James Musinguzi. The ceremonial transition, held at UWA Headquarters, was officiated by Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Musinguzi paid tribute to his predecessor’s contributions and laid out a forward-looking agenda centred on innovation, inclusivity, and resilience in conservation. “I am honoured to lead UWA into its next phase. We will consolidate past achievements while opening new frontiers for sustainable wildlife management,” he said.
Six Strategic Priorities for the New Executive Director
Dr. Musinguzi emphasized a set of key priorities that will shape his leadership:
- Diversifying Revenue and Tourism Offerings: UWA will explore innovative ways to generate revenue, including the diversification of tourism products to enhance visitor experiences and reduce overdependence on traditional sources.
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthening relationships with local communities, conservation partners, and private sector actors will be vital. Dr. Musinguzi stressed the importance of inclusive decision-making and shared stewardship of Uganda’s wildlife resources.
- Restoration of Degraded Habitats: Tackling invasive species and restoring natural habitats at scale will form a core pillar of UWA’s ecological strategy under his leadership.
- Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict: Drawing on local knowledge and participatory approaches, UWA will implement solutions to minimize clashes between wildlife and communities living near protected areas.
- Combating Poaching and Wildlife Trafficking: Dr. Musinguzi committed to intensifying anti-poaching efforts and tightening enforcement mechanisms to prevent Uganda from becoming a transit route for illegal wildlife trade.
- Staff Development and Welfare: Recognizing that UWA’s greatest asset is its people, the new ED pledged to invest in staff welfare, professional development, and motivation, underpinned by values of discipline, integrity, and professionalism.
Leadership Endorsements
Hon. Martin Mugarra welcomed Dr. Musinguzi’s vision, challenging him to build on UWA’s solid foundation by embracing innovation and strengthening community-driven conservation. Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime reaffirmed the Ministry’s support, describing Dr. Musinguzi as a strategic leader well-suited to guide the Authority into the future.
UWA Board Chair Prof. James Kalema pledged full Board support, noting that the new Executive Director’s track record and scientific grounding offer a firm base for navigating the dynamic conservation landscape.
As the outgoing ED, Mr. Sam Mwandha reflected on his transformative tenure, citing progress in protected area management, infrastructure development, and anti-poaching operations. He urged the UWA team to stay united in mission and purpose.
With Dr. James Musinguzi at the helm, UWA signals a renewed commitment to adaptive conservation, inclusive leadership, and institutional excellence—safeguarding Uganda’s natural heritage for generations to come.