Mwandha bows out as UWA ED, Musinguzi takes reins

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After seven years at the helm of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and over 30 years in conservation, Sam John Mwandha has stepped down, handing over leadership to Dr James Musinguzi, the former executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (Entebbe Zoo).

The official handover ceremony, held at the UWA headquarters in Kamwokya, Kampala, on Wednesday, March 2, was presided over by tourism state minister Martin Mugarra, and Doreen Katusiime, the permanent secretary.

The new UWA management flanked by tourism officials and stakeholders cutting a cake to usher in a new executive director at a function held on Wednesday in Kampala.(Photo by Julius Luwemba)

The event also included the pipping of senior managers, chief wardens, and managers under the newly structured UWA framework, following its rationalisation with UWEC. Under the current arrangement, the positions of director have been scrapped in favour of senior managers.

From his early days as a community conservation warden to his tenure as director for conservation and later UWA executive director, Mwandha leaves behind a legacy of financial growth, with UWA’s revenue increasing from sh86.2 billion in the 2017/2018 financial year to sh168.12 billion in 2023/2024.

Conservation achievements

Prof. James Kalema, chairperson of the UWA Board of Trustees, highlighted Mwandha’s role in restructuring and restoring Uganda’s ecosystems. 

Under his leadership, 14,785 hectares of invasive species were cleared, 2,881 hectares of degraded habitats restored, and 446 wild animals translocated. He also led efforts that resulted in the arrest of 8,105 suspects involved in wildlife crimes, securing 664 convictions.

Bashir Hangi being pipped as the manager in charge of communications. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)

A report handed over to the new UWA executive director detailed key initiatives implemented under Mwandha’s leadership, including the mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts. A total of 177.7km of electric fencing was established around protected areas, and sh22.58 billion was disbursed through the revenue-sharing programme.

Tourism infrastructure also expanded during Mwandha’s tenure, with the construction of 38 visitor accommodation units, 11 visitor briefing shelters, and 95km of tourism trails. Additionally, more than 3,000 staff were recruited, confirmed, or promoted, and 117 staff accommodation units were built. 

Many UWA staff described Mwandha as a principled, high-integrity, and results-oriented leader.

Challenges and UWA's future

In his farewell remarks, Mwandha described his tenure as both challenging and rewarding. He pointed to human-wildlife conflict and poaching as persistent threats to conservation efforts.

"With the problem of poaching, sometimes our own staff get involved. We need to find a way of disciplining them to reduce poaching cases and the piles of wire snares plus wheel traps, especially in the savannah parks," Mwandha noted.

Philomera Gumikiriza being pipped as the manager human resource for the Uganda Wildlife Authority. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)

He urged the incoming executive director to prioritise community awareness programmes as a sustainable solution to mitigating human-wildlife conflict.

Dr James Musinguzi, the new UWA executive director, outlined his vision, emphasising a firm approach to tackling poaching while strengthening community engagement. He also referenced the government’s strategy to grow Uganda’s gross domestic product to $500 billion by 2040, with tourism playing a key role.

"This places a very big responsibility on the Uganda Wildlife Authority to make sure that the government realises this plan," Musinguzi stated.

Minister Mugarra acknowledged the challenges in conservation and urged UWA staff to work closely with communities around protected areas.

"The purpose of holding a public office is to serve. If you cannot do that, you become a liability for service delivery in this country," Mugarra cautioned.

New leadership structure

Apart from the executive director, other officials pipped as senior managers include John Makombo, in charge of biodiversity management; Jimmy Mugisa, for finance and accounts; Stephen Masaba, in charge of tourism development; Charles Tumwesigye, for field operations; and Chemonges Sabilla, for legal and corporate affairs.

Dr James Musinguzi (left) having a photo moment with the chief wardens of different conservation areas during a pipping ceremony held at UWA headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)

In the position of managers, Bashir Hangi remains the communications manager, Edward Iga oversees internal auditing, and Philomera Gumikiriza serves as the human resource manager.

Eight chief wardens from various conservation areas were also pipped, including David Musingo, who is in charge of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) and the Botanical Gardens, the latest conservation area.