Efforts to protect and monitor wildlife in Uganda have received a major welcome boost with the donation of six advanced drones. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) contributed these unmanned aerial vehicles to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to support conservation activities in protected areas. The donation was officially handed over on July 30, 2024, at the UWA headquarters in Kampala.
UNDP Resident Representative Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, along with Tourism Minister Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, presented the drones during a brief ceremony. Vwede-Obahor highlighted the importance of Uganda’s diverse biodiversity, which includes the world’s largest population of mountain gorillas and a wide variety of flora and fauna. She acknowledged the impact of recent global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, on the tourism sector and the subsequent strain on wildlife conservation efforts.
Vwede-Obahor emphasized that the drones would play a crucial role in monitoring wildlife, detecting poaching activities, and protecting protected areas. She noted that the partnership between UNDP and Uganda’s tourism and conservation sectors has led to significant improvements in sustainable development and the well-being of local communities.
Sam Mwandha, the Executive Director of UWA, expressed his gratitude for the donation. He stated that the new drones would enhance real-time surveillance and data collection, which are essential for effective conservation management. Mwandha also pointed out that the drones would assist in managing invasive species, assessing environmental hazards, and advancing scientific research related to Uganda’s biodiversity.
During a recent media engagement at Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Lilly Ajarova shared an example of how drones had previously been instrumental. Drones were used to track suspects involved in a fire that damaged a tourist vehicle last year.
Tourism Minister Butime reaffirmed his commitment to utilizing the drones to ensure the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s ecosystems. He emphasized that the advanced technology would enable UWA to better protect both wildlife and the communities living near protected areas.
The drones are equipped with charging stations and 36 rechargeable batteries. Each drone can carry up to 7 kilograms and is fitted with cameras providing a 360-degree view. However, UWA has not disclosed the total number of drones currently in use across Uganda or detailed specifications due to security considerations.
