The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime, has appointed Dr. James Musinguzi as the new Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), effective April 1, 2025. Dr. Musinguzi will take over from Mr. Sam Mwandha, who will retire on March 31, 2025, after serving in the role since 2018.
Dr. Musinguzi brings extensive experience in wildlife conservation and management. Before his appointment, he served as the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC). He played a significant part in raising conservation awareness and strengthening Uganda’s wildlife rescue programs. Following the merger of UWEC and UWA, he was appointed Director of Community Conservation and Ex Situ Wildlife Services at UWA, further deepening his involvement in Uganda’s wildlife sector.
UWA has expressed confidence in Dr. Musinguzi’s leadership, highlighting his dedication to conservation, wildlife management, and public engagement. “Dr. Musinguzi is a dedicated conservationist with extensive experience in wildlife management, conservation education, and community conservation, among many others,” UWA stated. His career has been marked by a strong commitment to increasing public awareness about wildlife, rescuing endangered species, and promoting community participation in conservation efforts.
Throughout his tenure at UWEC, Dr. Musinguzi spearheaded initiatives aimed at fostering public understanding of conservation challenges. He played a crucial role in wildlife rescue operations and worked closely with communities to promote sustainable conservation practices. His work at UWEC helped bridge the gap between scientific conservation efforts and the general public, making wildlife education more accessible and engaging.
Dr. Musinguzi’s new role as Executive Director of UWA comes at a crucial time for Uganda’s wildlife sector. The country is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including iconic species such as mountain gorillas, elephants, and lions, which draw thousands of tourists annually. However, challenges such as poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict continue to pose threats to conservation efforts. His experience in community conservation is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges while promoting sustainable wildlife management strategies.
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UWA, in a statement, congratulated Dr. Musinguzi on his appointment and welcomed him to his new role. “UWA congratulates Dr. Musinguzi on his appointment and warmly welcomes him to the UWA family. We look forward to his leadership in advancing our mission to conserve and sustainably manage Uganda’s wildlife resources for present and future generations.”
As he steps into his new position, Dr. Musinguzi is expected to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Mr. Mwandha, and drive forward policies that balance conservation with tourism and community engagement. His expertise in public awareness and wildlife rescue will likely strengthen UWA’s conservation efforts, ensuring that Uganda’s wildlife continues to thrive for generations to come.
His appointment signals a renewed focus on integrating community conservation efforts with national wildlife management strategies, a move that could enhance Uganda’s reputation as a leader in sustainable conservation in Africa. Conservationists and stakeholders alike will be watching closely as Dr. Musinguzi embarks on this new journey, hopeful that his leadership will further advance Uganda’s conservation agenda.
