Yesterday on 14th August , the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) was offered 13 motor bikes accompanied with their riding jackets and helmets from Suudi Bamulesewa the Executive Director of the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) . The motor bikes are to facilitate UWA’s Wildlife Crime Investigation unit move faster to help track and attend to incidences of wildlife crime across protected areas. The bikes were handed over to Chairman BoT Dr. Panta Kasoma flanked by UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha and top management members at Uganda Museum.
Dr. Panta appreciated the African Wildlife Foundation for the numerous donations extended to the institution especially during the Corona Virus crisis that have strengthened law enforcement operations which has been key to conservation of biodiversity. He noted that the poaching incidences that had previously increased around some protected areas are now considerably reduced. This, he partly attributes to the conservation partners like AWF who have contributed the resources for conservation work.
“The loss of tourism due to COVID pandemic has led to reduction of sources of revenue for UWA. This gesture of extending help to where it is needed most to conserve wildlife is very applauded,” Dr. Panta said.
Mr. Bamulesewa on behalf of AWF pledged to continue supporting the conservation efforts and was delighted to be associated with UWA in fulfillment of their conservation mandate. “We shall continue to support all efforts geared towards having wildlife flourish in this country,” he revealed.
UWA ED Sam Mwandha appreciated the great partnership and the fantastic job AWF has been doing in facilitating protection of wildlife in the country especially during the COVID 19 crisis. “This contribution will enable UWA staff to effectively secure national parks better and frustrate the people bend on doing poaching in the protected areas,” he said.