UWA better equipped to contain poaching

In a bid to conserve better and contain the fast changing modes of poaching Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is challenged to conserve nature as poachers get more sophisticated, get better equipped and operate across national borders.

"This leaves us wondering whether our animals, primates and birds are being poached or they are migrating to better habitats," revealed the UWA executive director Sam Mwandah. "Our services are challenged by a shortage of vehicles and sophisticated technology to truck them."

Mwandah made the remarks while receiving ten still/video cameras and  finger print reading machines from InternationalFund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) Programme manager, Moses Olinga at UWA headquarters on Monday.

 An array of equipment donated by IFAW to UWA to enable them contain increasing poaching of wildlife.Photo by Titus Kakembo          

Mwandah said these would ease their  work and help trap the illegal dealers of wildlife products. "Our officers are being trained to sniff out culprits besides halting crimes prior to being committed. We will publish photographs of suspects and bring them to the courts of law."

Olinga said IFAW is back to Uganda with a big bang and braced to conserve nature for future generations.

"Being one of the biggest animal and welfare charities in the world we are aware of the challenges Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park face," together we will brave them,"  Olinga said. 

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