On a vibrant morning at its Kamwokya headquarters, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) marked a historic moment on April 2, 2025, with a spirited handover ceremony for its Executive Director. This wasn’t just a change of guard, it was a celebration of legacy, ambition, and the wild heart of Uganda that beats through its breathtaking landscapes.
For those who don’t know, UWA is the powerhouse behind Uganda’s natural treasures. It oversees 10 National Parks, think Queen Elizabeth’s sprawling savannahs, the gorilla havens of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga, the dramatic waterfalls of Murchison Falls, and the rugged beauty of Kidepo Valley. Add to that 12 Wildlife Reserves, 5 Community Wildlife Management Areas, and 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and you’ve got a portfolio that showcases the very best of East Africa’s wilderness.
The ceremony buzzed with gratitude as Prof. James Kalema, Chairman of UWA’s Board of Trustees, took the stage to honor outgoing Executive Director Mr. Sam Mwadha. After an incredible 23-year journey with UWA, 7 of them as ED. Mr. Mwadha’s tenure has been nothing short of transformative. “He’s strengthened our core,” Prof. Kalema beamed, pointing to upgraded staff housing, insurance, and cutting edge equipment like information centers and boardwalks. But the real headline under Mwadha’s watch, UWA’s annual revenue skyrocketed from 86 billion to nearly 170 billion Uganda Shillings, fueled by a surge in visitors flocking to Uganda’s wild wonders.
It’s not just about the numbers. Mwadha leaves behind a legacy of expanded wildlife protection, sharper ecological monitoring, and restored habitats. Poaching down significantly. Invasive species remain a challenge, but Prof. Kalema hinted that the incoming ED is already gearing up to tackle it head on. After two decades of dedication, Mr. Mwadha steps aside as a true champion of Uganda’s natural heritage.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the new Executive Director, who’s stepping in with big shoes to fill and even bigger dreams. Fresh from leading the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), Dr. Musinguzi isn’t wasting any time. He’s rallying the UWA team top brass to grassroots to chase a bold vision: contributing USD 50 billion to Uganda’s ambitious USD 500 billion GDP target by 2040. How, tthrough the ATMs (Agro industrialisation, Tourism, Minerals, Science, Technology, and Innovation) and the National Development Plan IV, with tourism as UWA’s golden ticket.
“Today isn’t just a handover, it’s a launchpad,” Dr. Musinguzi declared, his energy infectious. With Uganda’s National Parks already dazzling the world, his call to action feels like a thrilling invitation to everyone: let’s make Uganda’s wildlife the cornerstone of a ten-fold economic leap. So here’s to Mr. Sam Mwadha, thank you for the wild ride. And to Dr. James Musinguzi, congratulations, and may your tenure be as untamed and triumphant
