The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The new chief custodian of wildlife conservation in Uganda Samuel John Mwandha has been urged to focus more on research, gathering and disseminating credible wildlife conservation information.
Outgoing Executive Director Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Dr. Andrew Ggunga Seguya on Monday handed over office to Mwandha at a brief ceremony, at which Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime challenged the new chief to build on the gains UWA has registered so far. The ceremony was attended by the Board of Trustees and UWA management at the body’s headquarters in Kampala.
“It is the first time to have a smooth transition from one Executive Director to another, a sign that UWA had grown over the bad times of its past. I wish to thank Dr. Seguya for the stewardship characterized by innovative ideas and strategic thinking,” Katusiime said. She welcomed Mwandha and urged him to continue with the innovations, building a credible team and focusing more on research and gathering and disseminating credible wildlife conservation information.
Mwandha makes a return to UWA where he was previously a Director Field Operations before moving to the Great Virunga Transboundary Secretariat and later Country Director at African Wildlife Foundation.
“If we are committed to conservation, have team work, customer care and quality service, integrity and professionalism, we shall definitely deliver with God’s grace” Mwandha promised.
Seguya welcomed his successor Mwandha. “I welcome you to UWA, I hope you take forward and sustain the self evident achievements registered during my tenure in order for the organization to achieve greater success.
The Chairman of the UWA Board of trustees Benjamin Otto, hailed Seguya for turning around the erstwhile failed organization to functional and self sufficient one.
Seguya is the longest serving Executive Director of UWA having assumed office in 2010. The board noted that during his seven year stewardship, over 1000 accommodation units for staff, new office structures and attendant facilities for tourists have been constructed. Laboratories for animal health investigations and new student centres were also put in place. He oversaw the creation of new elite units of intelligence and canine units and improved the welfare of staff among others.
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is a semi-autonomous government agency mandated conserve and manage Uganda’s wildlife. UWA manages 10 National Parks and 12 wildlife reserves under its jurisdiction. It also manages five community wildlife management areas and 13 wildlife sanctuaries.
