The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced the appointment of Dr. James Musinguzi as its new Executive Director, effective April 1, 2025.
Dr. Musinguzi, a seasoned conservationist with extensive experience in wildlife management, succeeds Mr. Sam Mwandha, who is retiring on March 31, 2025, after seven years of dedicated service to the organization.
Dr. Musinguzi’s appointment comes at a crucial time as UWA continues to strengthen its conservation efforts, improve anti-poaching initiatives, and enhance public engagement in wildlife protection. With a background deeply rooted in conservation and wildlife education, Dr. Musinguzi is expected to bring fresh leadership to the organization, helping to expand the potential of Uganda’s protected areas and furthering the goals of sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.
Previously, Dr. Musinguzi served as the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), where he championed conservation awareness and spearheaded critical wildlife rescue and rehabilitation programs. His tenure at UWEC was marked by a strategic focus on building community-based conservation initiatives and enhancing the tourism potential of Uganda’s national parks and reserves.
Dr. Musinguzi’s leadership experience also includes his role as Director of Community Conservation and Ex Situ Wildlife Services following the merger of UWEC and UWA. During this time, he worked closely with local communities to promote conservation education, strengthen anti-poaching measures, and improve wildlife protection, making significant strides in increasing Uganda’s profile as a premier ecotourism destination.
“We are proud to welcome Dr. James Musinguzi to the UWA family,” said the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, in a statement “His appointment is a clear reflection of UWA’s commitment to advancing its mission of sustainably managing Uganda’s wildlife resources for both present and future generations.”
Dr. Musinguzi’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping UWA’s future direction, particularly in expanding Uganda’s role on the global stage as a key player in wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. The appointment follows Mr. Sam Mwandha’s upcoming retirement, a move that marks the end of an era of dedicated leadership.
Mr. Mwandha’s tenure, which began in 2018, was marked by significant achievements, including enhanced wildlife protection programs, strengthened community management, and improved conservation education.
Under his leadership, UWA developed a more integrated approach to wildlife conservation, deepening its collaboration with local communities and stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management of Uganda’s diverse natural resources.