Dr. James Musinguzi has officially assumed the role of Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) stepping into office at a time when the agency is grappling with escalating human-wildlife conflict, persistent poaching syndicates and the lingering dust of the infamous Gorilla permit scandal that rocked the tourism sector.
The handover ceremony took place at UWA Headquarters in Kampala and was graced by the Chief Guest, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
The event was presided over by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, and attended by the Chairman and Members of the UWA Board of Trustees, senior government officials, development and conservation partners, representatives of the private sector, and UWA staff.
Dr. Musinguzi formerly Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) is no stranger to wildlife management. However, critics argue that this new role will test his courage like never before.
The timing of his appointment couldn’t be more charged, rural communities bordering national parks are reporting increasing encounters with wild animals leading to destruction of crops, injury and in some cases loss of life.
Meanwhile, trust in UWA remains fragile following a scandal involving the alleged misallocation and inflation of gorilla tracking permits a vital tourism revenue stream.
In his first remarks to the press, Musinguzi pledged to rebuild public confidence, tackle corruption within the system and “balance the conservation mandate with the real needs of the people who live closest to Uganda’s natural heritage.”
His comments were met with cautious optimism from stakeholders many of whom say they’ve “heard it all before.”
The UWA board chairperson, along with officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, praised Musinguzi’s record in public service, particularly his work at UWEC, where he modernized operations and boosted visitor engagement.
But activists warn that the challenges at UWA are deeper, more politicized and often tied to powerful interests especially in light of investigations that linked the gorilla permit scandal to internal UWA networks and external tour operators.
With poaching continuing to threaten endangered species like rhinos and pangolins, and with climate change amplifying food insecurity driving wildlife into human settlements, the incoming executive’s agenda is already overflowing.
