Uganda wildlife Conservation Organizations

Uganda wildlife conservation organizations

Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)

UWEC popularly known as “Entebbe Zoo” was opened in 1952, as a reception centre for wild animals that were found as casualties (sick, injured, orphaned, confiscated from illegal trade). In the early 1960s, it changed its role to a zoo where a number of non-indigenous species, including bears and tigers, were kept as an attraction.

UWEC’s Functions

Due to its unique position as the only captive wild animal collection centre in the country, UWEC serves three roles:

·         Conservation education function.

·         A rescue and rehabilitation centre.

·         A recreation centre where people come to see the animals and refresh themselves

Bwindi and Mgahinga Conservation Trust (BMCT)

This was established in March 1995, under the Uganda Trustees Act. It is mandated with ensuring that the biodiversity and ecosystem of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP) and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP) are conserved in harmony with development needs of the surrounding communities. The Trust Management Board has the legal and fiduciary (Trustee) responsibility to ensure that the proceeds of the Trust are used to meet the objectives articulated in the Trust Deed.

Uganda Wildlife Training Institute (UWTI)

Uganda Wildlife Training Institute (UWTI) is a government aided institute under Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA) responsible for training and producing human resource or graduates with positive attitudes to deliver quality services in Wildlife.

This was established by the Uganda Wildlife Training Institute Statute, 1996 under the former Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities. UWTI was transferred to the Ministry of Education and Sports in August 1998 subsequently the UWTI Statute was repealed by the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001 under the Ministry of Education and Sports. The Institute is now undergoing transformation to become Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute. This will enable capacity development for wildlife research in Uganda.

Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (CSWCT)

This is a programme institution that was established as a combined national and international initiative and a globally recognized collaborative conservation effort, geared towards developing and implementing a long-term strategy for conservation of chimpanzees and their habitats.

The Rhino Fund Uganda

This was established as a public private partnership initiative with the overall aim of re-introducing Rhinos in Uganda. The Fund manages the Rhino Sanctuary which is undertaking breeding for reintroduction of Rhinos into the wild.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation in Ministry of Tourism

The Department is in charge of implementation of several conventions relating to wildlife conservation to which Uganda is a member. The Department is

·         The Uganda’s Management Authority for the Convention on International Trade in endangered species of fauna and flora (CITES).

·         National focal point for the convention on migratory species of wild animals.

·         National focal point for African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA)

·         Uganda’s focal point for the International Gorilla Agreement in Uganda.