The Uganda Wildlife Authority
Background
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)is a statutory body established by the Uganda Wildlife Act 2000. It became operational in August 1996 after the merger of the then Game Department with the Uganda National Parks.
Mandate and Mission
UWA's mandate is stated as:
1. Management and conservation of wildlife in Uganda, both in and outside the wildlife protected areas (PAs) i.e. National Parks, Wildlife Reserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
2. Promoting public participation in wildlife management using mechanism such as wildlife use rights, as a means of eradicating poverty, through community conservation programs, and promoting wildlife as a form of land use.
3. Ensuring the protection of rare, endangered and endemic species of wild plants and animals, through provision of appropriate wildlife policies, management plans and promotion of wildlife management best practices.
4. Ensuring timely and appropriate response to reported problem animals, in collaboration with the concerned communities and respective local authorities.
5. Enhancing economic benefits from wildlife management through promotion of tourism.
6. Implementing relevant international treaties, conventions, agreements or other arrangements to which Uganda is a party.
In line with the mandate, UWA's MISSION is:
"To conserve and sustainably manage the wildlife and the protected areas of Uganda in partnership with neighbouring communities and other stakeholders, for the benefit of the people of Uganda and the global community". The motto of "We Conserve for Generations" has been adopted.
UWA is responsible for the management of 10 National Parks, 12 Wildlife Reserves and 7 Wildlife Sanctuaries and provides guidance over the management of 5 Community Wildlife Areas.
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