Dr. James Musinguzi Named New Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority

The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime has appointed Dr. James Musinguzi as the new Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), effective April 1, 2025. He will succede Mr. Sam Mwandha, who retires on March 31, 2025, after serving as Executive Director since 2018.

Uganda Wildlife Authority – UWA

Uganda Wildlife Authority, (UWA) manages 10 National Parks; 12 Wildlife reserves; 5 Community Wildlife Management Areas; and 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The ten National Parks include Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki, Mgahinga Gorilla, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. These parks display the best in East Africa. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.

Dr. Musinguzi is a dedicated conservationist with extensive experience in wildlife management, conservation education, and community conservation among many others. He previously served as the Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWEC), where he championed conservation awareness, wildlife rescue and public engagement. Following the merger of UWA and UWEC, he was appointed Director of Community Conservation and Ex Situ Wildlife Services, a positiion he held since October 2024.

As Mr. Mwandha retires, UWA acknowledges his outstanding leadership over the past seven years, during which he enhanced wildlife protection, strengthened community conservation efforts, expanded anti-poaching initiatives, and improved the tourism potential of Uganda’s protected areas. His tenure has left a lasting impact on Uganda’s conservation landscape, and UWA extends its deepest gratitude for his dedicated service.

UWA congratulates Mr. Musinguzi on his appointment and warmly welcomes him to the UWA family. UWA looks forward to his leadership in advancing its mission to conserve and sustainably manage Uganda’s wildlife resources for present and future generations.