UWEC and UWA now one

Entebbe, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) has officially merged with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

The merger is part of the government’s Rationalization of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) program, aimed at streamlining operations and improving efficiency.

The merger was formalised on Thursday at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, where the UWEC Board of Trustees transferred its mandate to the UWA Board.

As part of the merger, UWEC has been re-designated as the Entebbe Community Conservation Area. The former head of conservation training at UWEC, David Musingo, has been appointed the Chief Warden of the site.

The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, hailed the merger as a timely initiative to enhance Uganda’s wildlife management and public engagement. “This merger is critical to improving our wildlife management, enhancing public education, and promoting sustainable tourism. By combining UWA’s operational expertise with UWEC’s public outreach, we are creating a stronger institution to serve both our wildlife and our people,” he said.

He encouraged UWA to integrate UWEC’s staff and collaborate effectively as one team. “I want to see real progress as a result of this merger. It is essential that this partnership delivers tangible improvements in conservation efforts and public engagement,” he emphasized.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of the National Conservation Education Strategy in raising awareness, particularly among the youth. “This strategy will play a vital role in educating Ugandans about the value of wildlife and fostering a sense of responsibility towards conserving our natural heritage for future generations,” he added.

Doreen Katusiime, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the merger.

She emphasized the importance of streamlining operations to enhance efficiency in wildlife conservation. “This merger exemplifies the government’s dedication to improving the effectiveness of our public institutions through the RAPEX program,” she noted.

Prof. James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, expressed gratitude to the outgoing UWEC Board and reassured them that UWA would handle the transition responsibly. “We approach this merger with care and a deep sense of responsibility. Our goal is to preserve and strengthen the vision and mission of both UWA and UWEC and to achieve even greater results for wildlife conservation in Uganda,” he said.

Benon Sebina-Katumba, the outgoing Chairman of the UWEC Board of Trustees, reflected on UWEC’s contributions to wildlife education and rescue. He expressed confidence that the centre’s work would continue to thrive under UWA’s leadership. “This merger ensures that UWEC’s vital mission will not only continue but grow. Together, we are better equipped to protect Uganda’s natural heritage,” he remarked.

Dr James Musinguzi, the outgoing Executive Director of UWEC, highlighted the centre’s achievements over the years and urged UWA to build on these successes. “It has been an honour to lead UWEC. I am confident this merger will lead to even greater success in protecting Uganda’s wildlife and educating the public on its importance. I hope UWA will continue to make UWEC a centre of excellence in conservation education,” he said.

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