After seven years at the helm of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA, Sam John Mwandha has handed over leadership to Dr. James Musinguzi, the former executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC).
The official handover ceremony held at UWA headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 was presided over by tourism state minister Martin Mugarra. Also present was Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary, David Musingo, the UWEC Chief Warden among others.
Prof. James Kalema, the Chairperson of the UWA Board of Trustees, highlighted Mwandha’s role in restructuring and restoring Uganda’s ecosystems.
In a detailed report that was handed over to the new UWA executive director, key initiatives implemented under Mwandha’s reign including mitigation of human wildlife conflicts, expansion of tourism infrastructure with the construction of 38 visitor accomodation units, 11 visitor briefing shelters and 95kms of tourist trails.
In his farewell remarks, Mwandha described his tenure as both challenging and rewarding. He pointed to human wildlife conflict and poachong as persistent threats to conservation efforts.
He urged the incoming executive director to prioritise community awareness programmes as a sustainable solution to mitigating human wildlife conflict.
Dr. James Musinguzi, on his part, outlined his vision, emphasising a firm approach to tackling poaching, while strengthening community engagement.
Minister Mugarra acknowledged the challenges in conservation and urged UWA staff to work closely with communities around proteted areas.
“The purpose of holding a public office is to serve. If you cant do that, you become a liability for service delivery in the country,” Mugarra said.
The event also included the pipping of the executive director, senior managers, chief wardens and managers under the newly structured UWA framework, that came into force following its rationalisation with UWEC.
Among other officials pipped were John Makombo, in charge of biodiversity management; Charles Tumwesigye, for field operations, Stephen Masaba in charge of tourism development; Jimmy Mugisa for finance and accounts while Chemonges Sabilla was pipped as Senior manager Legal and corporate affairs.
In the position of managers, Philomera Gumikiriza serves as human resource manager; Edward Iga over sees internal audit while Bashir Hangi remains communications manager.
Eight chief wardens from various conservation areas were also pipped incuding David Musingo, the new incharge at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre and the Botanical Gardens in Entebbe.
— Africa Tembelea Press
