Uganda Wildlife Authority

Uganda wildlife authority also known as UWA is a government body under the ministry of tourism, wildlife, and antiquities. The authority was established in 1996 with a mission “To conserve economically develop and sustainably manage the wildlife and protected areas of Uganda in partnership with neighboring communities and other stakeholders for the benefit of the Ugandan people and the global community.”

UWA manages 10 national parks, 12 game reserves, and 14 wildlife sanctuaries. Uganda wildlife body of trustees governing Uganda wildlife authority is appointed by the minister responsible for wildlife and antiquities. The body also provides guidance for five wildlife conservation areas.

The vision of UWA states that “To be the leading, self-sustaining wildlife conservation agency that transforms Uganda into one of best ecotourism destinations in Africa”

Uganda wildlife authority manages protected national parks like Lake Mburo national park, Kidepo valley national park, Mgahinga gorilla park, Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Murchison falls national park, Queen Elizabeth national park, Semuliki national park, Kibale forest national park, mountain Elgon national park, and mountain Rwenzori national park.

Game reserves managed by Uganda wildlife authority include Pian Upe game reserve, Aswa Lolim game reserve, Ajai game reserve, Karuma wildlife reserve, Katonga game reserve, Semuliki game reserve, Bokora corridor reserve, Kyambura wildlife reserve, Kigezi wildlife reserve, Kabwoya game reserve, Matheniko wildlife reserve, Bugungu game reserve, and Lomunga game reserve among others.

UWA also controls wildlife sanctuaries such as Uganda wildlife education Centre, Ngamba island, Otze forest, lake Nabugabo, lake George, lake Bisina, Ntooko-Kanara, Nyaburogo, lake Mburo Nakivali, and Ziwa rhino sanctuary.

The wetland areas that are managed by the UWA include lake Opeta, lake Nakuwa, Mabamba bay, Nabajjuzi, Lutembe bay, Murchison falls, and Sango bay-Musambwa island Kagera bay.

Most travelers to Uganda visit those protected areas for a number of activities such as gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga national parks, chimpanzee tracking in Kibale forest national park and safari game drives in most of the savannah national parks like Lake Mburo, Murchison falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo valley national park