Tourism Minister directs UWA on welfare of retiring staff

_________________

For seven years as the executive director for Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and over 30 years in the conservation world, Sam John Mwandha bowed out of the country's conservation regulatory body on April 3, ushering in Dr James Musinguzi, the former executive director for Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (Entebbe zoo).

From a community conservation warden to director for conservation and later the UWA executive director, Mwandha left behind a legacy of increased revenue of sh168.12b in the financial year 2023/2024, above the sh86.2b when he had just assumed office in the financial year 2017/2018.

Similarly, until his retirement early this year, Pontious Ezuma was the chief warden for Queen Elizabeth Conservation area, who was in charge of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kyambura and Kigezi wildlife reserves. He had served under UWA in different capacities for 30 years. Mwandha, Ezuma, plus 24 other retired staff were officially recognised for their contribution towards wildlife protection and conservation during a function held on Friday evening at UWA headquarters in Kampala.

Dr James Musinguzi (right) receiving a plaque on behalf of Sam Mwandha the retired UWA boss, from Basil Ajer who represented the tourism minister as Prof. James Kalema (centre) the UWA board chairperson looks on. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)

First of its kind, the ceremony was a gesture of appreciation for the dedicated efforts by the retired officials towards wildlife conservation and protection. It was during the same function that Col (Rtd) Tom Butime, the minister for tourism, wildlife and antiquities, directed the current UWA leadership to place staff welfare at the centre of institutional priorities. "Welfare is not a luxury. It is not a favour. It is a responsibility," Butime noted.

The minister's remarks were delivered by Basil Ajer, the director for tourism in the ministry. According to Butime, from housing to medical care, from psychological support to retirement preparedness, the ministry expects UWA to take deliberate steps to ensure that those who give their all to the institution are never left to struggle silently when their time of service ends.

"We must reflect on how we, as a sector, treat those who serve so selflessly. Retirement should not mean invisibility. It should not mean hardship. It should not mean being forgotten. These men and women deserve dignity, not only in how we speak of them today, but how we support them tomorrow. I therefore want to hear of programs that support retirees. I want to see policies that promote staff morale," Butime directed.

The permanent secretary, Doreen Katusiime, who was represented by the undersecretary Geoffrey Seremba, highlighted some of the challenges faced by rangers and wildlife officials, including working in dense forests, confrontation with poachers and traversing challenging terrains. "Some of you have worked in silence, far from the spotlight, yet your work has echoed across generations. You have earned a legacy and we must work hard to protect, uphold and cherish your immense contribution to conservation," Katusiime stated.

Officials from the tourism ministry and UWA while cutting a cake to celebrate the contribution of retired UWA rangers and officials. (Photo by Julius Luwemba)

Dr James Musinguzi, the UWA executive director, expressed commitment to have all the retired staff recognised, appreciated and followed up. "We have started with 25 retired staff today, but are going to comb our files for all others who retired several years ago and appreciate them too," Musinguzi revealed. "We shall continue thanking you all, for the building block laid, upon which we are thriving," Musinguzi lauded.

On the issue of staff welfare, the executive director revealed that a new salary structure has been approved by the UWA board to increase staff emoluments as well as other incentives such as medical welfare and lunch provision. Each of the retired rangers and officials was awarded several gifts and monies. Among them is Aggrey Rwetsiba, the former senior manager of ecological monitoring and research, who was recognised in absentia.

Others include: Kule Asa Musinguzi, who also retired at the rank of a chief warden, Emmanuel Twesigye, who retired as a pilot, Mack Opwo retired as a procurement manager, Geoffrey Ayela, and Vincent Isiagi retired at the rank of sergeant. Others recognised include Charles Sunday Ndayakunze, Zamzam Angei, Patrick Muzaale, Wilson Wasagami, Norris Oshabe, William Buregyeya and Raphael Iryama.

Also recognised were Olweny Modesto, David Lokima, Robinson Uma, Robert Byaruhanga, Allen Kutosi, Juliet Nsiima and Kanyonyi Benson among others. It was an evening of mixed feelings as the retired staff were sombrely bidding farewell, the group received retirement packages in form of plaques and cash before they were treated to a banquet.