Speaking at the event, Richard Capere, Assistant Commissioner for Conservation Planning, outlined the key milestones achieved over the previous period. «We conducted more than 114,000 anti-poaching patrols, which resulted in the seizure of 156,823 poaching implements and the arrest of 11,597 suspects», he said. He added that conservation efforts were also focused on habitat restoration. «We have cleared 13,625 hectares of invasive species, restored 3,825 hectares of degraded territories, returned 374 hectares of illegally occupied land in the Mount Elgon Conservation Area and maintained 1,153 kilometers of fire protection strips», Kapere said. He emphasized that these achievements reflect UWA's strong commitment to protecting Uganda's wildlife and ecosystems through law enforcement and environmental restoration.
UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi said that the new strategic plan will significantly transform environmental activities through technology and innovation. «The new strategic plan will use technology, including drones, forensics, GIS, and digital systems, to strengthen anti-poaching efforts, improve wildlife protection, and improve conservation management», he said. Musinguzi also highlighted plans to diversify tourism products to increase revenue related to nature conservation. «We will develop new tourism products such as boat-based water tourism, butterfly tourism and other niche attractions to enhance Uganda's tourist appeal», he said. He added that the plan will deepen cooperation with the public and stakeholders.
UWA Human Resources Commissioner Susan Muhumuza Nyatia emphasized the importance of accountability and responding to customer requests. «Effective customer feedback and communication is crucial to improve the quality of service», she said. She added that the internal control mechanisms will be strengthened. «The internal audit function will play a key role in monitoring compliance with service delivery standards and strengthening integrity and transparency within Management», she said. Acting Commissioner for Finance Mwanje described the new standards as a common institutional commitment. «Standards of service delivery are a commitment to customers and a shared responsibility of UWA, its employees and stakeholders», he said. He added that the reforms would strengthen institutional credibility.
The Assistant Commissioner for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Justus Mpirirwe, outlined specific service targets. «The standards require that customers at all gates of UWA parks be serviced within 10 minutes, which underscores our commitment to timely and high-quality service», he said. Speaking as the main guest, Jane Kyarisiima Mwesiga, Deputy Head of the Civil Service, praised the UWA's achievement and called for broader impact. «This plan should be aimed at increasing social value for present and future generations», she said.
Introducing the Chairman of the UWA Board of Directors, Dr. Stella Akaye Atim emphasized the importance of professionalism and implementation. «The key priorities of this strategic plan include strengthening partnerships, maintaining professionalism among employees, and ensuring that these institutional documents are not just political papers, but practical tools for effective work», she said. The new strategic framework is expected to guide Uganda's environmental agenda through 2030, focusing on strengthening law enforcement, public engagement, tourism diversification, and improving the quality of services in all protected areas.
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