AWF Renews Commitment with UWA to Further Enhance Conservation

(KAMPALA, UGANDA — June 22, 2023) The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) this morning renewed their partnership for an additional five years through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will facilitate enhanced collaboration in natural resource and landscape conservation activities in Uganda.

The partnership renewal which took place at the UWA headquarters in Kampala, Uganda will enable the continued protection of endangered and common species especially great apes within Uganda and its transboundary landscapes. These activities include the African Apes Initiative, wildlife census, and participation in species management and conservation.

Speaking at the MoU signing, AWF CEO Kaddu Sebunya said, “This decade-long partnership between AWF and UWA is evidence of the benefits of collaboration in conservation. Uganda has made significant strides in conservation including the curtailment of the illegal wildlife trade to a minimum and the partnership we are renewing today has been a key enabling factor in enabling this. Going forward, we are excited about the potential opportunities that lie ahead and the monumental strides we shall achieve.”

The agreement reiterates AWF’s commitment to providing technical assistance to UWA in the sustainable management and conservation of Kidepo National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, and their peripheries, as well as increased support of the Canines for Conservation program at Entebbe International airport.

UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha applauded AWF's endeavors to promote the preservation of biodiversity in the nation and promised to offer any assistance required to enable the organization to accomplish its strategic vision and conservation objectives for Uganda.

He said, “Over the years, AWF has helped us in our conservation efforts and prioritized the livelihoods of the local community. All these actions continue to primarily benefit the communities. Consequently, these engagements are ideal at this moment."

The MoU gives AWF the mandate to continue to provide overall technical support and provide capacity building to UWA staff to enhance their skills in conservation and species management.

AWF remains committed to working with the government and the people of Uganda to realize a prosperous future for wildlife, their habitats, and people.

About AWF

The African Wildlife Foundation is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and wild lands as an essential part of a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 to focus on Africa’s conservation needs, we articulate a uniquely African vision, bridge science and public policy, and demonstrate the benefits of conservation to ensure the survival of the continent’s wildlife and wild lands.

MEDIA CONTACTS: For more information or to arrange interviews, contact Wambui Odhiambo, AWF Senior Executive Communications Specialist on wodhiambo@awf.org