MIRROR - TOURISM PROMOTION ENDS 30TH JUNE 2021 - Keeping you informed

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MIRROR - TOURISM PROMOTION ENDS 30TH JUNE 2021 - Keeping you informed
THE WILDLIFE
i    | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed

MIRROR                                                   Keeping you informed
                                                                       ISSUE 8 MAY 2021

                                                         TOURISM PROMOTION
                                                          ENDS 30TH JUNE 2021

Conservation
Uganda Wildlife Authority                |        Tourism      |   Livelihoods
MIRROR - TOURISM PROMOTION ENDS 30TH JUNE 2021 - Keeping you informed
Contents
UGANDA CELEBRATES WORLD WILDLIFE DAY  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 2
BEE HIVES DISTRIBUTED TO COMMUNITIES KATONGA  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 3
IVORY DEALER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 3
STANDARD AND WILDLIFE COURT AT BUGANDA ROAD.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 3
NANDI THE FEMALE RHINO AT ZIWA SANCTUARY DIES  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 4
NATIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME SECURE INFORMATION SHARING PLATFORM
LAUNCHED  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 5
28 YOUTHS DENOUNCE POACHING IN PURONGO .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 6
SIX ARRESTED OVER THE DEATH OF LIONS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH
NATIONAL PARK .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 7
TOURISM PROMOTION EXTENDED TO JUNE 2021 .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 8
NEW WILDLIFE CONSERVATION POLICY DISSEMINATED  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 9
BUILDING HUTS TO ENHANCE VISITOR EXPERIENCE ON ON MOUNTAIN
MUHAVURA IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 10
CREATING COMMUNITY AWARENESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP.  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 12
UWA RECEIVES TWO VEHICLES FOR ANTI-POACHING ACTIVITIES IN
QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 13
MIRROR - TOURISM PROMOTION ENDS 30TH JUNE 2021 - Keeping you informed
2     | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed

UGANDA CELEBRATES WORLD WILDLIFE DAY
Uganda marked World Wildlife Day on         forest cover harbors a lot of wildlife which   environment and nature in forests. We
3rd March, 2021 in hybrid celebration       if replaced will be a big inconvenience        will continue our dialogue at all centers
largely virtual and broadcast live on       to the communities that destroy their          to conserve the forests. The EU is
key televisions and online channels         habitat. “If you destroy a forest and plant    committed to step up support to restore
blended with a few selected guests          sugar cane where will those animals            recovery of the depleted forest cover,”
invited to Sheraton Kampala in strict       previously in the forest go. I can assure      said the German Envoy.
observance of the COVID- 19 guidelines.     you that we shall push on and revive this
This year’s celebrations held under         industry,” he said.                            The UNDP Resident Representative
the theme “Forests and Livelihoods:                                                        Ms. Elsie Attafuah said; “The World
Sustaining People and Planet,” were         The state Minister for Tourism Godfrey         Wildlife Day affords us the opportunity
presided over by Hon Rtd Col. Tom           Kiwanda Suubi tasked the National              to celebrate the fantastic diversity of
Butime, the Minister for Tourism Wildlife   Forest Authority (NFA) to sensitize the        life on earth but also reminds us of our
and Antiquities. Other guests included      population on the importance of growing        noble duty to conserve and sustainably
State Minister of Tourism Hon. Kiwanda      indigenous trees. Uganda’s population          use forests and wildlife in line with
Suubi, UNDP resident representative Ms.     is currently over 40 million but statistics    the objectives of the 2030 Agenda
Elsie Attafuah, Representatives from        indicate that by 2031 we shall have hit        for Sustainable Development and the
European Union, Permanent Secretary         75 million. This trend is worrying given       Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
MTWA Doreen Katusiime, Executive            the statistics showing how depleted the        She listed the goals as 1 (No Poverty),
Director Sam Mwandha UWA together           country’s’ forest cover has depreciated        2 (Zero hunger) 12 (Ensure sustainable
with heads of agencies under MTWA.          from 24% in 1990 to 9% currently. The          consumption and production patterns),
                                            discussion regarding how worrying              13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).
In his remarks to mark the day, Col.        the situation is and what needs to be          Attafuah said the focus is not simply
Butime Tom explained that government        dominated this year’s World Wildlife Day       about forests providing habitats for
was committed and supports forest           celebrations with a key note speaker           wildlife, but it is about development that
restoration and preservation. Col. Butime   Dr. Robert Bitariho with ED UWA Sam            harnesses the full potential of economies
noted that communities have extensively     Mwandha, ED NFA Tom Okello and WWF             that are nature based. “It is about food
benefited from existence of forests many    ED David Duli discussing his presentation.     security, energy security, water security
times directly earning from it. He said                                                    and human security, among others,” she
for example communities with forested       The EU representative emphasized the           said. She said that forests contribute
parks like Bwindi and Kibale get 20% of     importance of conservation “The value          immensely to economic growth,
the revenue from forest parks that goes     of protecting forests like Bugoma is           employment, wealth creation, export
to contribute to their welfare as result    far higher than the investments. The           revenues which are a livelihood source
of their coexistence. He explained that     degradation of forests hurts human             for many communities.

    EU and UNDP representatives, Minister Hon. Col. Tom Butime and MTWA PS at the opening ceremony WWD

Uganda Wildlife Authority
MIRROR - TOURISM PROMOTION ENDS 30TH JUNE 2021 - Keeping you informed
Issue 8 May 2021 |         3

 Guests attending the function

                                                                                         Wildlife Conservation Media Award
                                                                                         went to Vision Group Journalist Gerald
                                                                                         Tenywa, while Uganda Lodges and Great
                                                                                         Lakes Safaris Chief Executive Amos
                                                                                         Wekesa scooped the Sustainable Eco
                                                                                         Tourism Award. Her Worship Justice
                                                                                         Gladys Kamasanyu won an award for
                                                                                         her role in countering poaching. The
                                                                                         Head of the Wildlife Court in Africa has
                                                                                         helped increase rate of conviction due to
                                                                                         poaching by over 80%.

                                                                                         This year’s Key note speaker was Prof.
                                                                                         Robert Bitariho who gave a snapshot of
                                                                                         the depleted forest cover in Uganda. He
                                                                                         said unless these issues are handled
                                                                                         immediately, the situation will get
 Gerald Tenywa receives Outstanding Contribution to wildlife Conservation Award          worse by 2031 when the population
                                                                                         shoots up to 75 million. Tom Okello the
The    President      Uganda      Tourism    CONSERVATIONIST                             Executive Director National Forestry
Association Pearl Hoareau Kizito said                                                    Authority acknowledged that there is a
the reduction of the forest cover from 24
                                             RECOGNIZED                                  lot of illegal timber falling in gazetted
                                             At the event, conservationist of the
percent to now 9% due to human activities                                                forest areas. He however said the
                                             environment and biodiversity were
such as agriculture and settlement is                                                    depletion of the forest cover was
                                             honored for their contribution towards
worrying. She said the tourism sector                                                    registered in privately owned forest
                                             protection of fauna and flora. Those
has been having a campaign to protect                                                    areas. The Executive Director Uganda
                                             who received awards included: African
Bugoma forest that was given away to                                                     Wildlife Authority (UWA) Sam Mwandha
                                             Wildlife Foundation - for supporting
an investor (Hoima Sugar) to grow sugar                                                  noted that they have had an increase in
                                             Canine Units, Achilles Byaruhanga won
cane. “Such acts must not be allowed                                                     forest cover in government protected
                                             the individual award for his conservation
under our watch, our children’s watch,                                                   areas but had massive degradation in
                                             efforts while Capt. Joseph Charles Roy
and the children of our children’s watch,”                                               private cover. He observed that “without
                                             was recognized for shipping in the Rhino
she said.                                                                                forests our survival is in jeopardy.”
                                             Species and donating the land where the
                                             Rhino Sanctuary is located.

                                                                                                        Conserving for Generations
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4    | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed

BEE HIVES DISTRIBUTED TO COMMUNITIES KATONGA
                                                                                              are improved through provision of
                                                                                              alternative livelihoods.

                                                                                              Apiaries have over time proved to offer
                                                                                              more tangible benefits with most
                                                                                              communities adjacent to the protected
                                                                                              areas appreciative of them. Apart
                                                                                              from money they generate as a result
                                                                                              of harvesting honey, they also act as
                                                                                              a deterrent to elephants averting a
                                                                                              serious Human Wildlife Conflict issue. It is
                                                                                              therefore hoped that with more beehives
                                                                                              distributed, UWA will get in touch even
Front line Communities in KCA receive Bee hives                                               more with its host communities who in
                                                                                              turn will appreciate the value of wildlife
                                                                                              conservation. This will improve on the
Katonga Wildlife Reserve in Kibale           Komaho thanked the management of                 relationship between the park and
Conservation Area in February, 2021          Katonga Wildlife Reserve for the initiative      frontline villages.
distributed has 08 bee hives as part         and urged the communities to continue            The beehive initiative benefits many
of its outreach program with frontline       with the support towards conservation.           groups of people as opposed to
communities that surround the park.          The beehives are intended to be used             individuals. It is also easy to monitor and
Each community was given 08 bee              by beneficiary communities as apiaries           determine misuse by a given community
hives. The beehives were handed over         to not only boost their livelihoods and          member. Previously, Uganda Wildlife
to communities of Bigoli parish in           improve household incomes but also               Authority has supported numerous
Kamwenge district by Warden In Charge        serve as a problem animal management             alternative projects in communities that
Katonga wildlife reserve Matanda and         tactic for big animals. It is anticipated that   include goat rearing and piggery but the
sub county chief Biguli Komaho Simeon.       this will further reduce illegal activities      projects had been misused by beneficiary
                                             within the park once people’s incomes            families.

IVORY DEALER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON
Awili David, a 47-year-old resident of
Angwee cell, Abim town council, Abim
district was sentenced to 20 years in
prison or a fine of 12 million for being
found in possession of 41.38 Kgs of ivory.
He was sentenced on March 10, 2020 by
Chief Magistrate Ayo Mariam Okello of
the Utilities, Standard and Wildlife Court
at Buganda road.
The UWA prosecution team lead by Akello
Gladys told court that Awili had been a
known suspected ivory dealer who plied
his trade around Lira town for some time      Confiscated Ivory
before his arrest. Under the new wildlife
law 2019, prosecution requested for a
                                             success rate has been perfect from               of high levels of poaching attributed to
deterrent custodial sentence that would
                                             September 2019 when it came into                 illegal trade in ivory and its products.
enable the accused to reform and also
                                             force” he said. He argued Ugandans               Currently, the larger populations of
send a strong message to any intending
                                             to join hands with UWA and protect               elephants in Uganda are found in
ivory traffickers to desist from the vice
                                             Uganda’s wildlife instead of decimating          Queen Elizabeth with other herds in
lest the strong arm of the law catches up
                                             it. Awili David was arrested by our team         protected areas like Murchison Falls and
with them.
                                             of the Special Wildlife Crime Unit on 20th       Kidepo Valley. The recovery of elephant
Reacting to the sentence, the UWA ED         February, 2021 in Lira City in possession        numbers from only about 2000 in the
Sam Mwandha noted that the implication       of four pieces of raw ivory without any          1980s to the current 8342 is largely
of being on the wrong side of the law are    valid user right.                                attributed to the successful protection
dire because the Wildlife Act 2019 puts in                                                    efforts implemented by Uganda Wildlife
place stringent penalties for any illegal    According to the IUCN red list of                Authority, improved legislation and
trader of wildlife products. “The Wildlife   threatened species, the elephant is              conservation policies.
Act is now biting and its prosecution        classified as a vulnerable specie because

Uganda Wildlife Authority
MIRROR - TOURISM PROMOTION ENDS 30TH JUNE 2021 - Keeping you informed
Issue 8 May 2021 |         5

NANDI THE FEMALE RHINO AT ZIWA SANCTUARY DIES

 Nandi at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
Uganda lost , Nandi one of the female       experts      indicated    no     presence    the stakeholders who, in one way or the
rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary who          of       trypanosomiasis,      babesiosis,   other, contributed ideas in a bid to save
breathed her last February 28, 2021after    anaplasmosis or theileria parva as earlier   Nandi. “We hope that we shall continue
battling an unknown illness. UWA            suspected by UWA veterinary doctors and      working together for the better of the
veterinarians had been managing             other rhino experts. A post-mortem was       remaining Rhino population in Uganda
her health condition that included          undertaken on March 01, 2021 by a team       and beyond,” he said.
administering antibiotics, de-wormers,      of pathologists from Makerere University
and picking of samples for further          and Wildlife Veterinarian from UWA.          Nandi was donated by Disney’s Animal
investigations. Nandi’s health started      Results show a generalized proliferation     Kingdom in Florida, USA in 2006 at the
deteriorating with loss of body weight      and enlargement of all the lymph             age of 7 years together with Hassani,
and reduced activity. At the time of her    nodes indicating lymphoproliferative         a male rhino that was aged 5 years
death, Nandi was expecting her seventh      disorder, which may be neoplasm or           then. This pair was part of the first six
calf.                                       granulomatous disease. Other significant     white rhinos that were re-introduced
                                            lesions in advanced stage were observed      in Uganda. The two together with four
Before her death, veterinary doctors        in the lungs, kidneys and along the gastro   other rhinos earlier introduced from
took samples from her on 27th January       intestinal tract (GIT).                      Solio Ranch in Kenya started a breeding
for further examination at Lancet                                                        nucleus that had evolved to 35 rhinos at
laboratories and the National Animal        Nandi, the 21-year old female rhino          Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located 170 km
Disease Diagnostic and Epidemiology         was born on 24th July 1999. She was          North of Kampala. The death of Nandi
Centre. Results indicated that the rhino    brought together with Hassani (a male        and her daughter Achiru left the total
was struggling with low sodium and          rhino) to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary from the      number of rhinos at the sanctuary to 33
chloride, low creatinine but normal urea,   Disney Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA          individuals.
low bilirubin, elevated Aspartate Amino     in September 2006. By the time of her
Transferase (AST) and total protein         death, Nandi had successfully calved
with very low albumin. The calcium and      seven times with the latest being on 9th
phosphorus values were within normal        January 2021. She was laid to rest on
range.                                      March 1, 2021 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary.

Additional haematology tests that           Executive Director UWA Sam Mwandha
were done on the advice from rhino          appreciated Rhino Fund Uganda and all

                                                                                                        Conserving for Generations
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6    | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed

NATIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME SECURE INFORMATION SHARING
PLATFORM LAUNCHED
Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive          therefore this implementation requires         Environmental Management Authority.
Director and Chairman National Wildlife      team work. This is important that we now       This initiative is also consistent with
Crime Coordination Taskforce (NWCCTF)        have an inter-agency collaboration which       the Intergovernmental Authority on
Sam Mwandha launched NWCCTF’s                is critical for addressing the threat posed    Development (IGAD), where its members
Secure Information Sharing Platform          by illegal traders in to wildlife products,”   established the Horn of Africa Wildlife
with help from Wildlife Conservation         he noted. He further noted that UPDF was       Law Enforcement Network (HAWEN) in
Society (WCS).                               committed to supporting UWA through            November 2017.
                                             training and skilling staff.
Mwandha thanked the Heads of                                                                The mandate of the taskforce is to
Institutions for embracing the initiative    The platform is meant to enhance               promote law enforcement-institutional
of coming together as security and law       information        sharing       between       collaboration and ensure effective cross
enforcement institutions to fight wildlife   collaborating institutions and agencies        border control of illegal wildlife trade
crime. He revealed that the Taskforce        as well as between officers undertaking        through sharing information, intelligence,
was in the process of finalizing the         similar or related assignments. This is        facilities and equipment; undertaking
capacity needs assessment survey with        hoped to improve the speed at which            joint operations and prosecutions; and
the view of appreciating the capacities of   information is moved from one entity to        raising awareness against wildlife crime.
the member institutions to enable design     the other as well as enhance its security.
of targeted interventions to enhance                                                        Wildlife Trafficking is one of the leading
coordination in combating wildlife crime.    NWCCTF was formed in 2018 and is               transnational crimes in the world. It is
“We have realized that one of the key        composed of various agencies that              categorized by United Nations among the
challenges of the NWCCTF has been            include Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and       serious crimes alongside drugs, human
timely sharing information on wildlife       Antiquities, Uganda People’s Defense           & arms trafficking. Tackling the crime
crime amongst the member institutions        Force, Uganda Police Force, Uganda             requires combined capacities of law
which we needed to urgently resolve”         Revenue Authority, Directorate of              enforcement agencies to outsmart the
                                             Citizenship and Immigration Control, Civil     organized and increasingly sophisticated
Maj. General Leopald Kyanda UPDF’s           Avian Authority, Financial Intelligence        criminal gangs operating various rackets
Chief of Staff commended the initiative      Authority, Office of Director of Public        cross the globe.
and noted that it comes at the time it       Prosecution, Internal Social Organization,
is most needed. “Wildlife crime is a big     External      Security       Organization,
threat to many facets of security and        National Forestry Authority & National

 Launch of Information Sharing Platform

Uganda Wildlife Authority
MIRROR - TOURISM PROMOTION ENDS 30TH JUNE 2021 - Keeping you informed
Issue 8 May 2021 |         7

 Youth in Purongo handover poaching tools to Warden Community Conservation Kagoro Wilson

28 YOUTHS DENOUNCE POACHING IN PURONGO
Efforts by Uganda Wildlife Authority’s        UWA’s community conservation warden           effect on conservation appreciation in
(UWA) in partnership with its stakeholders    Kagolo Wilson and Chairman LC 1 Coyo          communities.
to reduce poaching has yet again paid         village Odoki Wilson.
off as 28 youths from Purongo, at Paara                                                     The reformed youths pledged to mobilize
primary in Nwoya district denounced           The fight against illegal activities in the   other youths to engage in alternative
poaching. The youths handed in their          parks has been ongoing and a big effort       means of survival and promised to
wheel traps, spears, arrows and pangas        is sustained through massive awareness        mobilize more poachers in Koch Lii and
on 25th February, 2021 with a pledge to       on the laws and benefits of wildlife in       Got Apwoyo to in their tools of trade and
desist from any illegal wildlife activities   Uganda. Integrated conservation and           end all forms of illegal activities in the
and find alternative means of survival.       development projects are created from         park.
The youths surrendered the hunting            revenue gained from tourism shared with
tools during a meeting convened by            communities, which has had a positive         Odoki challenged the reformed poachers
                                                                                            to engage in other income generating
                                                                                            activities like apiary, piggery and
                                                                                            animal rearing for the betterment of
                                                                                            their families. “We cannot talk about
                                                                                            promotion of the tourism sector when
                                                                                            poaching is still rampant among the
                                                                                            communities living around the national
                                                                                            parks. Whoever reforms from the
                                                                                            activity and hands over the equipment
                                                                                            they have always used will be welcome,
                                                                                            reintegrated into the community and get
                                                                                            support to live a normal life,” he said.

 A Stock pile of Confiscated Traps at Murchison Falls National Park

                                                                                                            Conserving for Generations
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8     | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed

SIX ARRESTED OVER THE DEATH OF LIONS IN QUEEN
ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Six people were arrested in connection          found hidden in a garden at the home of       We applaud the security agencies that
with the death of six lions in Queen            Tumuhire Vincent.                             joined the operation to hunt the people
Elizabeth National Park March, 2021.                                                          behind the death of our lions and the
The arrested include Ampurira Brian 26          The carcases of the lions were discovered     leadership of Kanungu district for the
years, Tumuhire Vincent 49 years, Aliyo         at Ishasha sector on the evening of           support extended to the security teams,”
Robert 40 years, Miliango David 68 years,       Friday, March 19, 2021. Nine dead vultures;   he noted.
Turyakira Stanley, aged 50 years and            one White-headed vulture and eight
Byabashaija Vanansio aged 40 years.             White-backed vultures which are listed        Following intelligence tip off from credible
These were arrested in a joint operation        as critically endangered species were         sources about the people suspected to
mounted by UWA, UPDF and Police in              also found in the same place. Upon their      be behind the killing of the lions, a joint
Kyenyabutongo village, Rusoroza Parish,         discovery, we launched investigations         operation by UPDF, Police and UWA was
Kihihi Sub County, Kanungu District.            into the matter.                              conducted leading to the arrest of the six
                                                                                              suspects. The suspects will be arraigned
The suspects took the security team to          The Executive Director was upbeat that        in the courts of law.
a location where 3 heads of lions were          the people responsible for the heinous
found hidden in a tree and the fourth one       act of killing of the treasured lions         We assure the public that we shall
was buried with 15 legs under the same          will be soon brought to book. “Such           continue to strengthen the protection of
tree. The suspects said they dropped one        acts of indiscriminate killing of wildlife    lions and other wildlife in Uganda and will
leg in the park.                                should be condemned and whoever is            pursue this case until justice for the dead
                                                responsible will be held accountable for      lions is served. Our national parks remain
Three bottles containing a chemical             this very irresponsible action. I want to     safe and attractive to visitors and we still
commonly known as Furadan and a two-            thank the joint efforts of the security       have lions in Queen Elizabeth and other
litre jerrycan of lion fat oil were recovered   partners involved for moving swiftly          parks.
in a banana plantation. Two spears,             and decisively to comb every available
one panga and one hunting net were              clue that culminated into these arrests.

 Ishasha is famous for its Tree Climbing Lions

Uganda Wildlife Authority
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Issue 8 May 2021 |         9

 Juvenile Gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

TOURISM PROMOTION EXTENDED TO JUNE 2021
As Uganda continues to manage the            Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Katonga     promotional period, therefore all the
impacts of COVID19 and welcome visitors      Wildlife Reserve, Kabwoya Wildlife          promotional permits have to be used
to the various destinations around           Reserve and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve.      within the promotional period. UWA
the country, Uganda Wildlife Authority       50% discount on birding fees.               further reminds its visitors that we shall
(UWA) extended the tourism promotion                                                     continue to adhere to the COVID-19
campaign of 50% discounts to access its      Reduction on Gorilla and chimpanzee         guidelines throughout this period,
national park to June 30, 2021. This offer   tracking fees for all visitor categories    which can be downloaded from the UWA
contained in the Executive Director’s        are as follows: East African Community      website.
communication to all stakeholders            citizen gorilla tracking permits reduced
comes to encourage local tourist to          from UGX250,000 to UGX150,000;
go and enjoy the parks as the country        Foreign Resident gorilla tracking permits
recovers from the COVID 19 pandemic.         reduced from USD600 to USD 300;
                                             Foreign Non Resident gorilla tracking
The promotion started on December 1,         permits reduced from USD700 to USD
2020 with the aim of rewarding visitors      400; East African Community resident
to the parks as especially after staying     chimpanzee tracking permits reduced
home for a long time during the lock         from UGX150,000 to UGX100,000;Foreign
down. “Our visitors are at the heart         Resident chimpanzee tracking permits
of our conservation efforts and as we        reduced from USD150 to USD100;
enter into this festive season, we are       Foreign Non-Resident chimpanzee
glad to be able to reward them for their     tracking permits reduced from USD200
continued support throughout the years       to USD150.
and more especially through this period
of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the          The reduction on gorilla and chimp fees
Executive director Sam Mwandha in the        will only apply to new purchases between
communication.                               1st December 2020 and 30th June
                                             2021 and will not apply to reschedules
The following discounts have been offered    of already deposited on permits or
and are still applicable: 50% discount on    purchases using credit letters.
the park entrance fee for Lake Mburo
NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kidepo Valley        No reschedules are allowed for the
NP, Murchison Falls NP, Semuliki NP,         promotional permits beyond the

                                                                                                         Conserving for Generations
10 | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed

NEW WILDLIFE CONSERVATION POLICY DISSEMINATED
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on           being of conservation and support to          communities and others stakeholders
31st March 2021, conducted a national        the host communities of the national          in combating wildlife crime, including
dissemination workshop of the wildlife       parks. He noted that it was only human        encroachment on protected areas and
conservation policy at Protea Hotel in       for people to need more benefits but          vital wildlife habitats.
Kampala. The dissemination workshop          added that that they should not negate
was attended by members of the UWA           their responsibility to conserve the          The Director Conservation Makombo
Board of Trustee, UWA Management             environment.                                  John who facilitated the discussion
and stakeholders from districts that                                                       and feedback session revealed that
surround national parks across Uganda,       Earlier on, the UWA ED Sam Mwandha            the key hallmark of the policy was to
concessionaires and representatives of       noted that the new community                  realize community appreciation and
communities.                                 conservation policy comes in to               long-term support for conservation
                                             strengthen the community conservation         through enhanced institutionalized
While closing the workshop, the UWA          function and deal with challenges             implementation       of     Community
Board of Trustee chairman Dr. Panta          associated with wildlife, habitat             Conservation programs, strategies
Kasoma appreciated the contributions of      management and community relations.           and activities. It therefore sought to
partners like USAID/ Uganda Biodiversity     He noted that the policy intends to           strengthen, transform and ensure
for financial assistance and support in      guide UWA in the implementation of            active, coordinated and effective
formation of the policy. He said wildlife    Community Conservation programs,              implementation       of      community
conservation has immense contribution        ensure active and effective engagement        conservation programmes.
to human survival because of nature          of local communities and recognise the
ecosystems it offers to the universe.        contribution of local communities in          The Policy provides for among others,
“The ecosystem processes moderate            wildlife conservation. “This will enhance     the development and implementation
natural phenomena include pollination by     equitable sharing of wildlife benefits with   of management plan for wildlife outside
the bees to plants and trees that provide    local communities, local governments          protected area, human-wildlife conflict
a clean purified environment that offers     and landowners. This will promote             management strategy, implementation
comfortable human existence,” he said.       sustainable wildlife-based enterprises,       of livelihood improvement interventions,
He added that the action of therefore        implement mechanisms for addressing           collaborative management initiatives,
spraying to kill bees however small it may   human-wildlife conflicts and strengthen       benefit sharing programs, wildlife
look, has adverse effects on so many         collaboration with local governments,         enterprises and conservation education
things that impact on health living of       private sector and other stakeholders         and awareness strategy.
human beings. He argued stakeholders         among other roles,” he said.
to collaborate in changing people’s                                                        Some of the issues highlighted in the
attitudes towards conservation and           Mwandha noted that in the recent              policy presentation by Deputy Director
support UWA’s interventions. He called       past, UWA has registered a significant        Community        Conservation      George
for more action and less talk in order to    increase in incidences of human-              Owoyesigire       included     aggressive
create change.                               wildlife conflictsleading to loss of crops,   awareness to reverse negative attitudes,
                                             property damage, injuries and human           community engagement to fight
Dr. Panta e thanked stakeholders for the     death. Another critical challenge is          poaching/wildlife crime, support of
vibrant participation in the due course of   the management of wildlife outside            community livelihood projects, Human
the consultation cycle and giving their      protected areas (on private land)             Wildlife Conflict strategies, institutional
candid views manifested in the policy.       amidst competitive land use practices.        capacity building, monitoring data bases
He retaliated UWA’s commitment to            He therefore emphasized the need              and collaborative engagements with
implementing the policy for the well-        for effective engagement of local             stakeholders.

UWA Board of Trustees, Mangement and Industry stake holders who participated at the Launch

Uganda Wildlife Authority
Issue 8 May 2021 |        11

BUILDING HUTS TO ENHANCE VISITOR EXPERIENCE ON ON
MOUNTAIN MUHAVURA IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK
In a bid to offer a new hiking experience to   asl, through a regenerating forest zone        which are characteristic afro - alpine
all age groups, Uganda Wildlife Authority      to 3,100 asl at the start of ericaceous        vegetation with breath taking views. While
established a mountain camp at 3,850           zone dominated by heather which also           there, one can view volcanoes in DRC and
m asl comprising two mountain huts, a          starts the rocky section of the mountain.      Rwanda and Lake Mutanda in Kisoro.
kitchen and a toilet for a night stop over     At this point of the journey is a resting      The night is cold typical of a mountain
before ascent to the peak of Mountain          hut to catch your breath and reenergize        camp. Warm clothing is needed to tame
Muhavura. Mount Muhuvura is the                for the steep hike to the camp. It takes       the coldness to get a deserved rest
highest of the three volcanic mountains        an average hiker, four hours to reach the      after tiresome hike. The new experience
in Mgahinga National Park preferred by         new camp from the base.                        allows for meals to be prepared at the
climbers. Previously, the climbers could                                                      resting hut and the camp making the hike
only go to the peak but descend the            The key highlight of a typical hiking day is   comfortable and enjoyable. Porters and a
same day because of lack of alternative        the resting camp. At the new camp, huts        cook to support hikers in the expedition
shelter. The challenge has therefore been      are equipped with bunk beds. Each hut          to summit Muhavura can be got from the
a preserve for the young and energetic.        can accommodate a maximum of eight             community.
                                               climbers. The camp has the capacity to
The hike to the top of is very eventful        host 16 climbers in one night. This camp       The next day, the climbers can now
from the base of the mountain at 2,138 m       sits amidst the Senecios and lobelias          ascend to the summit of the mountain

 Newly Built hut on Mountain Muhavura

                                                                                                             Conserving for Generations
12    | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed

famously shared between Uganda and              Mgahinga Gorilla National Park found in
Rwanda. On the summit sits a beautiful          Kisoro District in South Western Uganda
                                                                                              TIPS FOR HIKING
crater surrounded by scattered lobelias.        is the smallest park covering an areas        MUHABURA
Here the sights of the volcanic mountains       0f 33.7 sq km. It borders with Virunga        zzPrepare your minds well for
and crater lakes are clearer before and         National Park in DRC and Volcanoes              a hiking activity and focus on
after sun rise. It is a perfect setting for a   National Park in Rwanda. It boasts of three     reaching the destination.
photography. The hike is made easy by           Volcanoes – Mount Muhavura towering at        zzHave good hiking shoes to give you
ladders installed along the hiking trail.       4,127 m asl, Mountain Sabinyo and Mount         comfort during hiking
It takes you 30 min to ascend to the            Gahinga. All the three volcanic mountains     zzRemember to carry enough
summit. It takes about three hours to           offer a hiking challenge sought after           drinking water and food to
reach the base camp.                            by mountain climbers. One day hike to
                                                                                                strengthen you during the hike.
                                                Muhabura costs $80 for Foreign National
Chief     Warden       Bwindi    Mgahinga                                                     zzSet yourself a moving pace and
                                                Resident, $70 for Foreign Resident and
Conservation Area Guma Nelson observes          UG X 50,000 for East African Community          maintain it throughout.
that the camp will provide an opportunity       citizens. The 2 - day experience will be      zzRemember to carry a walking stick.
to offer a rich mountaineering experience       packaged to include accommodation             zzRemember to carry personal first
with exciting interpretation of different       cost. The package will exclude cost of a        aid kit with you.
vegetation zones, landscapes and wildlife       porter(s) carrying personal effects, food     zzWarm clothing is necessary as
during the hike as a progressing party          and wages of a cook                             high-altitude temperatures may
has no pressure to rush to reach the top
                                                                                                affect you.
and descend to the base the same day.
“To enhance the experience, more rest                                                         zzIf you have a heavy luggage, hire a
stop points will be established and more                                                        porter and let him/her go with you.
ladders installed at some of the steep                                                        zzAlways follow the instructions of
sections of the trail,” he said.                                                                your guide and make use of his
                                                                                                expertise.

 Mountains Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo

Uganda Wildlife Authority
Issue 8 May 2021 |          13

CREATING COMMUNITY AWARENESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP.

 Deputy Director Community Conservation George Owoyesigire leads UWA panalists for a Radio talk show on the Wildlife Act

A partnership between Uganda Wildlife       security, customs and law enforcement       and trafficking at the border points
Authority and Wildlife Conservation         agencies at the national entry and exit     can be effectively managed through a
Society and gave birth to a sensitisation   points with meetings held with Uganda       collaboration by UWA, URA, Immigration,
drive of the Wildlife Act 2019 with         Revenue Authority (URA), Immigration        Customs and Uganda Police. We believe
enhanced penalties for various wildlife     and Customs and Uganda Police on the        that, intensified law enforcement
offences in order to curtail activities     border points of Nimule, Mpondwe and        and      awareness      will   discourage
of wildlife poachers, traffickers and       Ishasha. Radio talk shows were also         illegal activities around the targeted
related criminals in March, 2021. The       conducted at Rupiny and Kitara FM in        landscapes,” he noted. He noted that
sensitization was aimed at creating         Gulu and Masindi while in Kasese, Guide     radio talk-shows provided feedback
awareness about the punitive penalties in   FM and Voice of Toro in Fort portal town    on important interventions required to
the new law and enlisting public support    hosted the team in Western region. The      avert illegal trade, poaching, minimising
towards fighting wildlife crimes. A team    team also distributed and displayed         HWC and improving relations between
headed by Deputy Director Community         awareness materials in public places and    communities and UWA.
Conservation George Owoyesigire and         border points..
Vanice Mirembe Manager Awareness and                                                    The Supervisor Customs Mpondwe
Human Wildlife Conflict traversed Queen     Deputy Director Community Conservation      border Abel Gulu thanked UWA for
Elizabeth and Murchison Falls landscape     George Owoyesigire observed that the        the timely initiative of sensitising the
in North and Western Uganda to raise        engagements provided an opportunity         customs, immigration, police and the
awareness.                                  for raising awareness about wildlife        general public. He noted that the initiative
                                            crimes and penalties. “It provided an       would go a long way in creating awareness
The sensitisations also focused             opportunity to understand the current       of the new law and provide information
at     strengthening  cross-sectoral        situation on the ground. We observed        that will deter crime based on people’s
coordination and cooperation among          that, cross-border illegal wildlife trade   knowledge of the harsh penalties.

                                                                                                        Conserving for Generations
14 | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed

UWA RECEIVES TWO VEHICLES FOR ANTI-POACHING
ACTIVITIES IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive          Conservation Area. “We are truly grateful   impact in Queen Elizabeth National Park
Director Sam Mwandha, on 17th March,         to UCF, the EU and the CITES MIKES          for the benefit of the conservation, the
2021 received two new Land Cruisers          programme for their commitment to           recovery of tourism and the contributions
from UCF with funding secured from EU        protecting Queen Elizabeth National         to the regional and national economies,”
/ CITES MIKES. These specially modified      Park, a core part of every Ugandans         she said.
patrol vehicles were secured for frontline   heritage that we must conserve for
of operations in Queen Elizabeth National    future generations. At any one time,         Michael Keigwin, Trustee of the Uganda
Park. The function was attended by the       UWA is needed in every corner of the        Conservation Foundation was clearly
EU delegation representative Nadia           park to carry out on-going work and         delighted to see the cars ready for the
Cannata, Head Sustainable Development,       resolve problems, they are large areas      operations. “Everything we do is about
Jalia Kobusigye, UCF Trustee Michael         and these vehicles will enable us to be     helping UWA succeed. UWA is full of
Keigwin and UWA’s Deputy Director            far more productive and successful in       brilliant professionals. Our job is simply
Field Operation Charles Tumwesigye.          our operations. That will help everyone     to enable success. I know these cars
The vehicles are funded under a 3-year       – including tourism and our closest         will make a considerable impact in park
project funded by European Union             partners, the communities.”                 whether supporting anti-poaching,
through UN Environment Program.                                                          resolving problem animal issues or
The Project is implemented by Uganda         On behalf of European Union, Ms. Nadia      helping vets respond to injured wildlife.
Conservation Fund and UWA.                   Cannata noted that the EU recognized the    What a fantastic day, thank you UWA,
                                             incredible efforts and professionalism      especially those on the frontline, and of
The ED- UWA appreciated the funding          UWA has shown, especially through such      course all at CITES MIKES and the EU who
put forward to ensure conservation           difficult times. “We are positive these     made this possible,” he said.
sustainability in Queen Elizabeth            cars will make a tremendous positive

 ED UWA Sam Mwandha recieves Vehicles from EU delegation representative Ms.Nadia Cannata

Uganda Wildlife Authority
Issue 8 May 2021 |   15

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                                                                      Conserving 355  000
                                                                                    Generations
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