The merger was formalised at a symbolic handover ceremony at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, where the UWEC Board of Trustees transferred its mandate to the UWA Board.
The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) has officially merged with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), marking the end of 72 years of independent operations for UWEC.
The merger was formalised at a symbolic handover ceremony at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, where the UWEC Board of Trustees transferred its mandate to the UWA Board.
This merger is part of a broader government effort to streamline agency operations.
Benon Katumba Sebina, the pre-merger UWEC Board Chairman, reflected on the centre’s remarkable transformation under his leadership since 2017.
He highlighted the evolution of UWEC from a small animal orphanage and rundown zoo into an internationally recognized institution.
Established in 1994 under the Trustees Incorporation Act, UWEC replaced the Entebbe Zoo and became a statutory body in 2015 through the UWEC Act.
Katumba commended the dedication of the Board, management, and staff, noting key achievements in policy formulation, infrastructure development, and partnerships.
“These successes have been driven by the zealous efforts of the team. I urge the UWA Board to maintain these aspects for the continued growth of wildlife conservation in Uganda,” he said.
Over the years, UWEC has made significant contributions to wildlife conservation in Uganda.
Its work in conservation education, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and the captive breeding of endangered species has elevated Uganda’s conservation efforts globally.
UWEC’s pre-merger Board Chairman, Benon Katumba Sebina receiving a certificate of appreciation from the state minister of Tourism, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka.Visitation to UWEC has soared from 337,357 visitors in 2017 to 660,452 in 2024, thanks to product diversification, improved services, and infrastructural advancements.
Distinguished visitors include international delegations, first ladies, royalty, and top officials from global organizations.
Under the leadership of the Board and management, UWEC’s budget grew from Shs4.469 billion in 2017/2018 to Shs21.698 billion in 2023/24.
Non-tax revenue also increased from Shs3.2 billion in 2017/2018 to Shs5.2 billion in 2023/2024, with projections to reach Shs10.4 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year.
Addressing Challenges
Despite its successes, UWEC has faced several challenges. One of the most critical issues is the shortage of technical personnel, with many leaving for better opportunities abroad.
James Musinguzi, UWEC’s pre-merger Executive Director, who now serves as UWA’s Director of Community Conservation, emphasized the need for UWA to improve staff remuneration to retain talent.
Funding for conservation education programs and animal welfare also remains a concern.
Musinguzi urged UWA to prioritize completing ongoing projects, including a floating restaurant, new conservation centers in Kyenjojo, Gulu, and Mbarara, and refurbishments to the Entebbe Botanical Gardens.
Additional infrastructure needs, such as fencing, irrigation systems for animal exhibits, and the completion of animal habitats, were also highlighted.
Looking Ahead
Professor James Kalema, UWA Board of Trustees Chairman, welcomed UWEC staff to UWA and emphasized the merger’s potential to strengthen wildlife conservation in Uganda.
“The integration of these two entities presents an opportunity to pool resources and expertise, enabling us to address challenges more effectively,” Kalema said.
He encouraged staff to embrace the merger and collaborate towards strengthening Uganda’s eco-tourism and conservation efforts. “Together, we can create a future where wildlife thrives alongside community development,” Kalema concluded.
David Musingo has been appointed the first Chief Warden of the newly created UWEC Conservation Area, which will also manage the Entebbe Botanical Gardens and regional satellite wildlife conservation education centers.
As UWEC’s independent era comes to a close, its legacy will continue to influence Uganda’s wildlife conservation efforts under UWA, ushering in a new phase in the protection of the country’s rich biodiversity.
