The Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservation Centre (UWECC) is seeking increased partnerships to enhance its efforts in nature conservation, according to Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of the center. During a meeting with members of the UMOJA Conservation Trust (UCT), a local conservation group, Dr. Musinguzi emphasized the need for collaborative efforts and additional resources to address the substantial challenges in wildlife conservation.
Key areas for potential collaboration highlighted by Dr. Musinguzi include waste management, education, research, and other initiatives aimed at promoting conservation. The UCT members visited the UWECC to explore possibilities of collaboration and investment.
The UCT team, comprising retired Gen Ivan Koreta, former Agriculture Minister Victoria Ssekitooleko, Consultant Tosh Bwana, retired judge Justice Albert Rugadya Atwooki, Prof John Bosco Nizeyi (a retired lecturer and animal resource management expert), and businessman Maurice Agola, expressed interest in establishing recreation gardens, leveraging the equatorial location, the military museum, and the advantages of River Katonga in the area.
The team also inquired about the feasibility of breeding wild animals for commercial purposes, including selling to zoos abroad. Dr. Musinguzi confirmed that such activities are permitted within the legal framework. Additionally, there were discussions about the potential establishment of regional zoos across the country to boost domestic tourism.
Dr. Musinguzi welcomed the prospect of collaboration with UCT and highlighted the need for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize the partnership. He emphasized that the solicitor general’s approval is required as per legal requirements.
Dr. Musinguzi shared that the UWECC has gained recognition as a center of excellence in Africa, contributing to capacity building for zoo owners and managers in other countries. Despite facing challenges such as labor flight due to better-paying opportunities elsewhere, the center has initiated a training program to address this issue.
