Uganda Wildlife Authority
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is the Ugandan wildlife governing body which is under the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities. Uganda wildlife Authority was formed in 1996 and is managed in accordance with the wildlife Act Cap 2000. It’s a semi-autonomous government agency that conserves, protects and manages Uganda’s wildlife for the benefit of the country and the local community.
The agency is the merger of all Uganda National Parks and game department and enactment of Uganda Wildlife Statute which later became an act in 2000. UWA main role is to ensure sustainable management of wildlife and wildlife activities in all national parks and game reserves across Uganda.
UWA is managing 10 national parks and 12 game reserves, this highlights the key role of the Authority in promoting the tourism industry. It’s the role of the Authority to create smooth attractive tourism environment that attracts more investors to the country tourism industry. UWA manages 5 community wildlife management areas and 13 wildlife sanctuaries across the country. The Authority has been credited for its great work in the management and conservation of wildlife. The number of tourists has been increasing on an annual basis with more marketing strategies alongside Uganda Tourism Board, Ministry of tourism and antiquities and Association of Uganda Tour operators.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Vision: The vision of the Authority is: Tobe a leading self-sustaining conservation agency with healthy ecosystem that transforms Uganda in to outstanding ecosystem destination in the world.
Uganda Wildlife Authority Mission: To conserve, economically develop and sustainable manage the wildlife and protected areas of Uganda in partnership with neighbouring communities and other stakeholders for the benefit of the people of Uganda and the global community.
Roles of Uganda Wildlife Authority
The pearl of Africa is endowed by a wide range of wildlife, animals, birds, mountains, topography, and lakes. The Uganda Wildlife Authority is the only governing body on behalf of the Government of Uganda that regulates wildlife conservation. The Authority plays great role in the development of Tourism in Uganda and below are the roles of UWA.
- It’s the mandate of Uganda wildlife Authority to supervise and control all the activities done at all the national parks, game reserves and other unprotected areas which are under the direct management of the Authority across Uganda.
- Fight against poaching in the country. It’s the obligation of the Uganda wildlife Authority to make sure that all our animals are kept safe from all kinds of killings. This is one of the greatest problems that most protected areas are affected by not only in Uganda but entire Africa. Its good news that poaching has reduced in Uganda due to strict laws that the Uganda wildlife Authority has implemented.
- Education and sensitization of the local community in relation to the importance of wildlife to the community. It’s the great role of UWA to mobilize and sensitise all locals that leave around the protected areas and educate them on the value of wildlife. Keep sharing the recommended percentage as direct contribution of wildlife to the welfare of the locals.
- Provide up to date information regarding the national parks. The rangers go-ahead to guide the guests during their stay at any protected areas as they provide detailed information about the protected areas.
- To ensure that integrity of the protected area is properly maintained through daily and timely patrolling of the parks.
- Another key role of the Uganda wildlife Authority is to identify potential game reserves that can be designated and gazetted as a national park so as to give adequate protection to the ecosystem, biodiversity, and natural habitat.
- To ensure timely response to any reported animal-related problem in a given community. The Uganda wildlife Authority works closely to other security agencies to make sure that the locals are protected against wildlife attacks.
- Book all Gorilla Trekking Permits and Chimpanzee Trekking permits of individuals or tour operators on behalf of their guest who are interested in doing gorilla or chimpanzee trekking.
- Create jobs for locals through the recruitment of game rangers and other offices at UWA.
- Uganda Wildlife Authority is responsible for the marketing of the beautiful scenic views of the country through its various mechanics of marketing like online marketing, flyers, brochures attending trade shows, organising firm trips and many more.
- The Authority is the country’s managing agency that is responsible for the promotion and development of the tourism industry by creating fertile soils for private investors. It’s the role of the UWA to encourage local private investors like Tour operators, hoteliers, and others.
UWA has done great to promote Uganda tourism to the next level. Uganda has been considered among the top 4 tourism destinations in Africa according to prominent bloggers and publications. For more details on the booking of Gorilla permits park entry fees and others one can consult Uganda wildlife Authority directly or consult a local tour operator.
