THEi | The Wildlife MirrorWILDLIFE ////// Keeping you informed

MIRRORKeeping you informed

ISSUE 8 MAY 2021

TOURISM PROMOTION ENDS 30TH JUNE 2021

ConservationUganda Wildlife Authority | Tourism | Livelihoods Contents

UGANDA CELEBRATES WORLD WILDLIFE DAY ...... 2 BEE HIVES DISTRIBUTED TO COMMUNITIES KATONGA ...... 3 IVORY DEALER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON ...... 3 STANDARD AND WILDLIFE COURT AT BUGANDA ROAD ...... 3 NANDI THE FEMALE RHINO AT ZIWA SANCTUARY DIES ...... 4 NATIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME SECURE INFORMATION SHARING PLATFORM LAUNCHED ...... 5 28 YOUTHS DENOUNCE POACHING IN PURONGO ...... 6 SIX ARRESTED OVER THE DEATH OF LIONS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK ...... 7 TOURISM PROMOTION EXTENDED TO JUNE 2021 ...... 8 NEW WILDLIFE CONSERVATION POLICY DISSEMINATED ...... 9 BUILDING HUTS TO ENHANCE VISITOR EXPERIENCE ON ON MOUNTAIN MUHAVURA IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK ...... 10 CREATING COMMUNITY AWARENESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP . . . . . 12 UWA RECEIVES TWO VEHICLES FOR ANTI-POACHING ACTIVITIES IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK ...... 13 2 | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed UGANDA CELEBRATES WORLD WILDLIFE DAY Uganda marked World Wildlife Day on forest cover harbors a lot of wildlife which environment and nature in forests . We 3rd March, 2021 in hybrid celebration if replaced will be a big inconvenience will continue our dialogue at all centers largely virtual and broadcast live on to the communities that destroy their to conserve the forests . The EU is key televisions and online channels habitat . “If you destroy a forest and plant committed to step up support to restore blended with a few selected guests sugar cane where will those animals recovery of the depleted forest cover,” invited to Sheraton Kampala in strict previously in the forest go . I can assure said the German Envoy . observance of the COVID- 19 guidelines . you that we shall push on and revive this This year’s celebrations held under industry,” he said . The UNDP Resident Representative the theme “Forests and Livelihoods: Ms . Elsie Attafuah said; “The World Sustaining People and Planet,” were The state Minister for Tourism Godfrey Wildlife Day affords us the opportunity presided over by Hon Rtd Col . Tom Kiwanda Suubi tasked the National to celebrate the fantastic diversity of Butime, the Minister for Tourism Wildlife Forest Authority (NFA) to sensitize the life on earth but also reminds us of our and Antiquities . Other guests included population on the importance of growing noble duty to conserve and sustainably State Minister of Tourism Hon . Kiwanda indigenous trees . Uganda’s population use forests and wildlife in line with Suubi, UNDP resident representative Ms . is currently over 40 million but statistics the objectives of the 2030 Agenda Elsie Attafuah, Representatives from indicate that by 2031 we shall have hit for Sustainable Development and the European Union, Permanent Secretary 75 million . This trend is worrying given Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .” MTWA Doreen Katusiime, Executive the statistics showing how depleted the She listed the goals as 1 (No Poverty), Director Sam Mwandha UWA together country’s’ forest cover has depreciated 2 (Zero hunger) 12 (Ensure sustainable with heads of agencies under MTWA . from 24% in 1990 to 9% currently . The consumption and production patterns), discussion regarding how worrying 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land) . In his remarks to mark the day, Col . the situation is and what needs to be Attafuah said the focus is not simply Butime Tom explained that government dominated this year’s World Wildlife Day about forests providing habitats for was committed and supports forest celebrations with a key note speaker wildlife, but it is about development that restoration and preservation . Col . Butime Dr . Robert Bitariho with ED UWA Sam harnesses the full potential of economies noted that communities have extensively Mwandha, ED NFA Tom Okello and WWF that are nature based . “It is about food benefited from existence of forests many ED David Duli discussing his presentation . security, energy security, water security times directly earning from it . He said and human security, among others,” she for example communities with forested The EU representative emphasized the said . She said that forests contribute parks like Bwindi and Kibale get 20% of importance of conservation “The value immensely to economic growth, the revenue from forest parks that goes of protecting forests like Bugoma is employment, wealth creation, export to contribute to their welfare as result far higher than the investments . The revenues which are a livelihood source of their coexistence . He explained that degradation of forests hurts human for many communities .

EU and UNDP representatives, Minister Hon . Col . Tom Butime and MTWA PS at the opening ceremony WWD

Uganda Wildlife Authority Issue 8 May 2021 | 3

Guests attending the function

Wildlife Conservation Media Award went to Vision Group Journalist Gerald Tenywa, while Uganda Lodges and Great Lakes Safaris Chief Executive Amos Wekesa scooped the Sustainable Eco Tourism Award . Her Worship Justice Gladys Kamasanyu won an award for her role in countering poaching . The Head of the Wildlife Court in Africa has helped increase rate of conviction due to poaching by over 80% .

This year’s Key note speaker was Prof . Robert Bitariho who gave a snapshot of the depleted forest cover in Uganda . He said unless these issues are handled immediately, the situation will get Gerald Tenywa receives Outstanding Contribution to wildlife Conservation Award worse by 2031 when the population shoots up to 75 million . Tom Okello the The President Uganda TourismCONSERVATIONIST Executive Director National Forestry Association Pearl Hoareau Kizito said RECOGNIZED Authority acknowledged that there is a the reduction of the forest cover from 24 lot of illegal timber falling in gazetted At the event, conservationist of the percent to now 9% due to human activities forest areas . He however said the environment and biodiversity were such as agriculture and settlement is depletion of the forest cover was honored for their contribution towards worrying . She said the tourism sector registered in privately owned forest protection of fauna and flora . Those has been having a campaign to protect areas . The Executive Director Uganda who received awards included: African Bugoma forest that was given away to Wildlife Authority (UWA) Sam Mwandha Wildlife Foundation - for supporting an investor (Hoima Sugar) to grow sugar noted that they have had an increase in Canine Units, Achilles Byaruhanga won cane . “Such acts must not be allowed forest cover in government protected the individual award for his conservation under our watch, our children’s watch, areas but had massive degradation in efforts while Capt . Joseph Charles Roy and the children of our children’s watch,” private cover . He observed that “without was recognized for shipping in the Rhino she said . forests our survival is in jeopardy ”. Species and donating the land where the Rhino Sanctuary is located .

Conserving for Generations 4 | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed BEE HIVES DISTRIBUTED TO COMMUNITIES KATONGA are improved through provision of alternative livelihoods .

Apiaries have over time proved to offer more tangible benefits with most communities adjacent to the protected areas appreciative of them . Apart from money they generate as a result of harvesting honey, they also act as a deterrent to elephants averting a serious Human Wildlife Conflict issue . It is therefore hoped that with more beehives distributed, UWA will get in touch even Front line Communities in KCA receive Bee hives more with its host communities who in turn will appreciate the value of wildlife conservation . This will improve on the Katonga Wildlife Reserve in Kibale Komaho thanked the management of relationship between the park and Conservation Area in February, 2021 Katonga Wildlife Reserve for the initiative frontline villages . distributed has 08 bee hives as part and urged the communities to continue The beehive initiative benefits many of its outreach program with frontline with the support towards conservation . groups of people as opposed to communities that surround the park . The beehives are intended to be used individuals . It is also easy to monitor and Each community was given 08 bee by beneficiary communities as apiaries determine misuse by a given community hives . The beehives were handed over to not only boost their livelihoods and member . Previously, Uganda Wildlife to communities of Bigoli parish in improve household incomes but also Authority has supported numerous Kamwenge district by Warden In Charge serve as a problem animal management alternative projects in communities that Katonga wildlife reserve Matanda and tactic for big animals . It is anticipated that include goat rearing and piggery but the sub county chief Biguli Komaho Simeon . this will further reduce illegal activities projects had been misused by beneficiary within the park once people’s incomes families . IVORY DEALER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON

Awili David, a 47-year-old resident of Angwee cell, Abim town council, Abim district was sentenced to 20 years in prison or a fine of 12 million for being found in possession of 41 .38 Kgs of ivory . He was sentenced on March 10, 2020 by Chief Magistrate Ayo Mariam Okello of the Utilities, Standard and Wildlife Court at Buganda road . The UWA prosecution team lead by Akello Gladys told court that Awili had been a known suspected ivory dealer who plied his trade around Lira town for some time Confiscated Ivory before his arrest . Under the new wildlife law 2019, prosecution requested for a success rate has been perfect from of high levels of poaching attributed to deterrent custodial sentence that would September 2019 when it came into illegal trade in ivory and its products . enable the accused to reform and also force” he said . He argued Ugandans Currently, the larger populations of send a strong message to any intending to join hands with UWA and protect elephants in Uganda are found in ivory traffickers to desist from the vice Uganda’s wildlife instead of decimating Queen Elizabeth with other herds in lest the strong arm of the law catches up it . Awili David was arrested by our team protected areas like Murchison Falls and with them . of the Special Wildlife Crime Unit on 20th Kidepo Valley . The recovery of elephant Reacting to the sentence, the UWA ED February, 2021 in Lira City in possession numbers from only about 2000 in the Sam Mwandha noted that the implication of four pieces of raw ivory without any 1980s to the current 8342 is largely of being on the wrong side of the law are valid user right . attributed to the successful protection dire because the Wildlife Act 2019 puts in efforts implemented by Uganda Wildlife place stringent penalties for any illegal According to the IUCN red list of Authority, improved legislation and trader of wildlife products . “The Wildlife threatened species, the elephant is conservation policies . Act is now biting and its prosecution classified as a vulnerable specie because

Uganda Wildlife Authority Issue 8 May 2021 | 5 NANDI THE FEMALE RHINO AT ZIWA SANCTUARY DIES

Nandi at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary

Uganda lost , Nandi one of the female experts indicated no presence the stakeholders who, in one way or the rhinos at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary who of trypanosomiasis, babesiosis, other, contributed ideas in a bid to save breathed her last February 28, 2021after anaplasmosis or theileria parva as earlier Nandi . “We hope that we shall continue battling an unknown illness . UWA suspected by UWA veterinary doctors and working together for the better of the veterinarians had been managing other rhino experts . A post-mortem was remaining Rhino population in Uganda her health condition that included undertaken on March 01, 2021 by a team and beyond,” he said . administering antibiotics, de-wormers, of pathologists from Makerere University and picking of samples for further and Wildlife Veterinarian from UWA . Nandi was donated by Disney’s Animal investigations . Nandi’s health started Results show a generalized proliferation Kingdom in Florida, USA in 2006 at the deteriorating with loss of body weight and enlargement of all the lymph age of 7 years together with Hassani, and reduced activity . At the time of her nodes indicating lymphoproliferative a male rhino that was aged 5 years death, Nandi was expecting her seventh disorder, which may be neoplasm or then . This pair was part of the first six calf . granulomatous disease . Other significant white rhinos that were re-introduced lesions in advanced stage were observed in Uganda . The two together with four Before her death, veterinary doctors in the lungs, kidneys and along the gastro other rhinos earlier introduced from took samples from her on 27th January intestinal tract (GIT) . Solio Ranch in Kenya started a breeding for further examination at Lancet nucleus that had evolved to 35 rhinos at laboratories and the National Animal Nandi, the 21-year old female rhino Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary located 170 km Disease Diagnostic and Epidemiology was born on 24th July 1999 . She was North of Kampala . The death of Nandi Centre . Results indicated that the rhino brought together with Hassani (a male and her daughter Achiru left the total was struggling with low sodium and rhino) to Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary from the number of rhinos at the sanctuary to 33 chloride, low creatinine but normal urea, Disney Animal Kingdom, Florida, USA individuals . low bilirubin, elevated Aspartate Amino in September 2006 . By the time of her Transferase (AST) and total protein death, Nandi had successfully calved with very low albumin . The calcium and seven times with the latest being on 9th phosphorus values were within normal January 2021 . She was laid to rest on range . March 1, 2021 at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary .

Additional haematology tests that Executive Director UWA Sam Mwandha were done on the advice from rhino appreciated Rhino Fund Uganda and all

Conserving for Generations 6 | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed NATIONAL WILDLIFE CRIME SECURE INFORMATION SHARING PLATFORM LAUNCHED Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive therefore this implementation requires Environmental Management Authority . Director and Chairman National Wildlife team work . This is important that we now This initiative is also consistent with Crime Coordination Taskforce (NWCCTF) have an inter-agency collaboration which the Intergovernmental Authority on Sam Mwandha launched NWCCTF’s is critical for addressing the threat posed Development (IGAD), where its members Secure Information Sharing Platform by illegal traders in to wildlife products,” established the Horn of Africa Wildlife with help from Wildlife Conservation he noted . He further noted that UPDF was Law Enforcement Network (HAWEN) in Society (WCS) . committed to supporting UWA through November 2017 . training and skilling staff . Mwandha thanked the Heads of The mandate of the taskforce is to Institutions for embracing the initiative The platform is meant to enhance promote law enforcement-institutional of coming together as security and law information sharing between collaboration and ensure effective cross enforcement institutions to fight wildlife collaborating institutions and agencies border control of illegal wildlife trade crime . He revealed that the Taskforce as well as between officers undertaking through sharing information, intelligence, was in the process of finalizing the similar or related assignments . This is facilities and equipment; undertaking capacity needs assessment survey with hoped to improve the speed at which joint operations and prosecutions; and the view of appreciating the capacities of information is moved from one entity to raising awareness against wildlife crime . the member institutions to enable design the other as well as enhance its security . of targeted interventions to enhance Wildlife Trafficking is one of the leading coordination in combating wildlife crime . NWCCTF was formed in 2018 and is transnational crimes in the world . It is “We have realized that one of the key composed of various agencies that categorized by United Nations among the challenges of the NWCCTF has been include Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and serious crimes alongside drugs, human timely sharing information on wildlife Antiquities, Uganda People’s Defense & arms trafficking . Tackling the crime crime amongst the member institutions Force, Uganda Police Force, Uganda requires combined capacities of law which we needed to urgently resolve” Revenue Authority, Directorate of enforcement agencies to outsmart the Citizenship and Immigration Control, Civil organized and increasingly sophisticated Maj . General Leopald Kyanda UPDF’s Avian Authority, Financial Intelligence criminal gangs operating various rackets Chief of Staff commended the initiative Authority, Office of Director of Public cross the globe . and noted that it comes at the time it Prosecution, Internal Social Organization, is most needed . “Wildlife crime is a big External Security Organization, threat to many facets of security and National Forestry Authority & National

Launch of Information Sharing Platform

Uganda Wildlife Authority Issue 8 May 2021 | 7

Youth in Purongo handover poaching tools to Warden Community Conservation Kagoro Wilson

28 YOUTHS DENOUNCE POACHING IN PURONGO Efforts by Uganda Wildlife Authority’s UWA’s community conservation warden effect on conservation appreciation in (UWA) in partnership with its stakeholders Kagolo Wilson and Chairman LC 1 Coyo communities . to reduce poaching has yet again paid village Odoki Wilson . off as 28 youths from Purongo, at Paara The reformed youths pledged to mobilize primary in Nwoya district denounced The fight against illegal activities in the other youths to engage in alternative poaching . The youths handed in their parks has been ongoing and a big effort means of survival and promised to wheel traps, spears, arrows and pangas is sustained through massive awareness mobilize more poachers in Koch Lii and on 25th February, 2021 with a pledge to on the laws and benefits of wildlife in Got Apwoyo to in their tools of trade and desist from any illegal wildlife activities Uganda . Integrated conservation and end all forms of illegal activities in the and find alternative means of survival . development projects are created from park . The youths surrendered the hunting revenue gained from tourism shared with tools during a meeting convened by communities, which has had a positive Odoki challenged the reformed poachers to engage in other income generating activities like apiary, piggery and animal rearing for the betterment of their families . “We cannot talk about promotion of the tourism sector when poaching is still rampant among the communities living around the national parks . Whoever reforms from the activity and hands over the equipment they have always used will be welcome, reintegrated into the community and get support to live a normal life,” he said .

A Stock pile of Confiscated Traps at Murchison Falls National Park

Conserving for Generations 8 | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed SIX ARRESTED OVER THE DEATH OF LIONS IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK Six people were arrested in connection found hidden in a garden at the home of We applaud the security agencies that with the death of six lions in Queen Tumuhire Vincent . joined the operation to hunt the people Elizabeth National Park March, 2021 . behind the death of our lions and the The arrested include Ampurira Brian 26 The carcases of the lions were discovered leadership of Kanungu district for the years, Tumuhire Vincent 49 years, Aliyo at Ishasha sector on the evening of support extended to the security teams,” Robert 40 years, Miliango David 68 years, Friday, March 19, 2021 . Nine dead vultures; he noted . Turyakira Stanley, aged 50 years and one White-headed vulture and eight Byabashaija Vanansio aged 40 years . White-backed vultures which are listed Following intelligence tip off from credible These were arrested in a joint operation as critically endangered species were sources about the people suspected to mounted by UWA, UPDF and Police in also found in the same place . Upon their be behind the killing of the lions, a joint Kyenyabutongo village, Rusoroza Parish, discovery, we launched investigations operation by UPDF, Police and UWA was Kihihi Sub County, Kanungu District . into the matter . conducted leading to the arrest of the six suspects . The suspects will be arraigned The suspects took the security team to The Executive Director was upbeat that in the courts of law . a location where 3 heads of lions were the people responsible for the heinous found hidden in a tree and the fourth one act of killing of the treasured lions We assure the public that we shall was buried with 15 legs under the same will be soon brought to book . “Such continue to strengthen the protection of tree . The suspects said they dropped one acts of indiscriminate killing of wildlife lions and other wildlife in Uganda and will leg in the park . should be condemned and whoever is pursue this case until justice for the dead responsible will be held accountable for lions is served . Our national parks remain Three bottles containing a chemical this very irresponsible action . I want to safe and attractive to visitors and we still commonly known as Furadan and a two- thank the joint efforts of the security have lions in Queen Elizabeth and other litre jerrycan of lion fat oil were recovered partners involved for moving swiftly parks . in a banana plantation . Two spears, and decisively to comb every available one panga and one hunting net were clue that culminated into these arrests .

Ishasha is famous for its Tree Climbing Lions

Uganda Wildlife Authority Issue 8 May 2021 | 9

Juvenile Gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

TOURISM PROMOTION EXTENDED TO JUNE 2021

As Uganda continues to manage the Toro Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, Katonga promotional period, therefore all the impacts of COVID19 and welcome visitors Wildlife Reserve, Kabwoya Wildlife promotional permits have to be used to the various destinations around Reserve and Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve . within the promotional period . UWA the country, Uganda Wildlife Authority 50% discount on birding fees . further reminds its visitors that we shall (UWA) extended the tourism promotion continue to adhere to the COVID-19 campaign of 50% discounts to access its Reduction on Gorilla and chimpanzee guidelines throughout this period, national park to June 30, 2021 . This offer tracking fees for all visitor categories which can be downloaded from the UWA contained in the Executive Director’s are as follows: East African Community website . communication to all stakeholders citizen gorilla tracking permits reduced comes to encourage local tourist to from UGX250,000 to UGX150,000; go and enjoy the parks as the country Foreign Resident gorilla tracking permits recovers from the COVID 19 pandemic . reduced from USD600 to USD 300; Foreign Non Resident gorilla tracking The promotion started on December 1, permits reduced from USD700 to USD 2020 with the aim of rewarding visitors 400; East African Community resident to the parks as especially after staying chimpanzee tracking permits reduced home for a long time during the lock from UGX150,000 to UGX100,000;Foreign down . “Our visitors are at the heart Resident chimpanzee tracking permits of our conservation efforts and as we reduced from USD150 to USD100; enter into this festive season, we are Foreign Non-Resident chimpanzee glad to be able to reward them for their tracking permits reduced from USD200 continued support throughout the years to USD150 . and more especially through this period of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the The reduction on gorilla and chimp fees Executive director Sam Mwandha in the will only apply to new purchases between communication . 1st December 2020 and 30th June 2021 and will not apply to reschedules The following discounts have been offered of already deposited on permits or and are still applicable: 50% discount on purchases using credit letters . the park entrance fee for Lake Mburo NP, Queen Elizabeth NP, Kidepo Valley No reschedules are allowed for the NP, Murchison Falls NP, Semuliki NP, promotional permits beyond the

Conserving for Generations 10 | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed NEW WILDLIFE CONSERVATION POLICY DISSEMINATED

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on being of conservation and support to communities and others stakeholders 31st March 2021, conducted a national the host communities of the national in combating wildlife crime, including dissemination workshop of the wildlife parks . He noted that it was only human encroachment on protected areas and conservation policy at Protea Hotel in for people to need more benefits but vital wildlife habitats . Kampala . The dissemination workshop added that that they should not negate was attended by members of the UWA their responsibility to conserve the The Director Conservation Makombo Board of Trustee, UWA Management environment . John who facilitated the discussion and stakeholders from districts that and feedback session revealed that surround national parks across Uganda, Earlier on, the UWA ED Sam Mwandha the key hallmark of the policy was to concessionaires and representatives of noted that the new community realize community appreciation and communities . conservation policy comes in to long-term support for conservation strengthen the community conservation through enhanced institutionalized While closing the workshop, the UWA function and deal with challenges implementation of Community Board of Trustee chairman Dr . Panta associated with wildlife, habitat Conservation programs, strategies Kasoma appreciated the contributions of management and community relations . and activities . It therefore sought to partners like USAID/ Uganda Biodiversity He noted that the policy intends to strengthen, transform and ensure for financial assistance and support in guide UWA in the implementation of active, coordinated and effective formation of the policy . He said wildlife Community Conservation programs, implementation of community conservation has immense contribution ensure active and effective engagement conservation programmes . to human survival because of nature of local communities and recognise the ecosystems it offers to the universe . contribution of local communities in The Policy provides for among others, “The ecosystem processes moderate wildlife conservation . “This will enhance the development and implementation natural phenomena include pollination by equitable sharing of wildlife benefits with of management plan for wildlife outside the bees to plants and trees that provide local communities, local governments protected area, human-wildlife conflict a clean purified environment that offers and landowners . This will promotemanagement strategy, implementation comfortable human existence,” he said . sustainable wildlife-based enterprises, of livelihood improvement interventions, He added that the action of therefore implement mechanisms for addressing collaborative management initiatives, spraying to kill bees however small it may human-wildlife conflicts and strengthen benefit sharing programs, wildlife look, has adverse effects on so many collaboration with local governments, enterprises and conservation education things that impact on health living of private sector and other stakeholders and awareness strategy . human beings . He argued stakeholders among other roles,” he said . to collaborate in changing people’s Some of the issues highlighted in the attitudes towards conservation and Mwandha noted that in the recent policy presentation by Deputy Director support UWA’s interventions . He called past, UWA has registered a significant Community Conservation George for more action and less talk in order to increase in incidences of human- Owoyesigire included aggressive create change . wildlife conflictsleading to loss of crops, awareness to reverse negative attitudes, property damage, injuries and human community engagement to fight Dr . Panta e thanked stakeholders for the death . Another critical challenge is poaching/wildlife crime, support of vibrant participation in the due course of the management of wildlife outside community livelihood projects, Human the consultation cycle and giving their protected areas (on private land) Wildlife Conflict strategies, institutional candid views manifested in the policy . amidst competitive land use practices . capacity building, monitoring data bases He retaliated UWA’s commitment to He therefore emphasized the need and collaborative engagements with implementing the policy for the well- for effective engagement of local stakeholders .

UWA Board of Trustees, Mangement and Industry stake holders who participated at the Launch

Uganda Wildlife Authority Issue 8 May 2021 | 11 BUILDING HUTS TO ENHANCE VISITOR EXPERIENCE ON ON MOUNTAIN MUHAVURA IN MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARK In a bid to offer a new hiking experience to asl, through a regenerating forest zone which are characteristic afro - alpine all age groups, Uganda Wildlife Authority to 3,100 asl at the start of ericaceous vegetation with breath taking views . While established a mountain camp at 3,850 zone dominated by heather which also there, one can view volcanoes in DRC and m asl comprising two mountain huts, a starts the rocky section of the mountain . Rwanda and Lake Mutanda in Kisoro . kitchen and a toilet for a night stop over At this point of the journey is a resting The night is cold typical of a mountain before ascent to the peak of Mountain hut to catch your breath and reenergize camp . Warm clothing is needed to tame Muhavura . Mount Muhuvura is the for the steep hike to the camp . It takes the coldness to get a deserved rest highest of the three volcanic mountains an average hiker, four hours to reach the after tiresome hike . The new experience in Mgahinga National Park preferred by new camp from the base . allows for meals to be prepared at the climbers . Previously, the climbers could resting hut and the camp making the hike only go to the peak but descend the The key highlight of a typical hiking day is comfortable and enjoyable . Porters and a same day because of lack of alternative the resting camp . At the new camp, huts cook to support hikers in the expedition shelter . The challenge has therefore been are equipped with bunk beds . Each hut to summit Muhavura can be got from the a preserve for the young and energetic . can accommodate a maximum of eight community . climbers . The camp has the capacity to The hike to the top of is very eventful host 16 climbers in one night . This camp The next day, the climbers can now from the base of the mountain at 2,138 m sits amidst the Senecios and lobelias ascend to the summit of the mountain

Newly Built hut on Mountain Muhavura

Conserving for Generations 12 | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed famously shared between Uganda and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park found in Rwanda . On the summit sits a beautiful Kisoro District in South Western Uganda TIPS FOR HIKING crater surrounded by scattered lobelias . is the smallest park covering an areas MUHABURA Here the sights of the volcanic mountains 0f 33 .7 sq km . It borders with Virunga zzPrepare your minds well for and crater lakes are clearer before and National Park in DRC and Volcanoes a hiking activity and focus on after sun rise . It is a perfect setting for a National Park in Rwanda . It boasts of three reaching the destination . photography . The hike is made easy by Volcanoes – Mount Muhavura towering at zzHave good hiking shoes to give you ladders installed along the hiking trail . 4,127 m asl, Mountain Sabinyo and Mount comfort during hiking It takes you 30 min to ascend to the Gahinga . All the three volcanic mountains zzRemember to carry enough summit . It takes about three hours to offer a hiking challenge sought after drinking water and food to reach the base camp . by mountain climbers . One day hike to strengthen you during the hike . Muhabura costs $80 for Foreign National zzSet yourself a moving pace and Chief Warden Bwindi Mgahinga Resident, $70 for Foreign Resident and Conservation Area Guma Nelson observes UG X 50,000 for East African Community maintain it throughout . that the camp will provide an opportunity citizens . The 2 - day experience will be zzRemember to carry a walking stick . to offer a rich mountaineering experience packaged to include accommodation zzRemember to carry personal first with exciting interpretation of different cost . The package will exclude cost of a aid kit with you . vegetation zones, landscapes and wildlife porter(s) carrying personal effects, food zzWarm clothing is necessary as during the hike as a progressing party and wages of a cook high-altitude temperatures may has no pressure to rush to reach the top affect you . and descend to the base the same day . “To enhance the experience, more rest zzIf you have a heavy luggage, hire a stop points will be established and more porter and let him/her go with you . ladders installed at some of the steep zzAlways follow the instructions of sections of the trail,” he said . your guide and make use of his expertise .

Mountains Muhavura, Gahinga and Sabinyo

Uganda Wildlife Authority Issue 8 May 2021 | 13 CREATING COMMUNITY AWARENESS THROUGH PARTNERSHIP.

Deputy Director Community Conservation George Owoyesigire leads UWA panalists for a Radio talk show on the Wildlife Act

A partnership between Uganda Wildlife security, customs and law enforcement and trafficking at the border points Authority and Wildlife Conservation agencies at the national entry and exit can be effectively managed through a Society and gave birth to a sensitisation points with meetings held with Uganda collaboration by UWA, URA, Immigration, drive of the Wildlife Act 2019 with Revenue Authority (URA), Immigration Customs and Uganda Police . We believe enhanced penalties for various wildlife and Customs and Uganda Police on the that, intensified law enforcement offences in order to curtail activities border points of Nimule, Mpondwe and and awareness will discourage of wildlife poachers, traffickers and Ishasha . Radio talk shows were also illegal activities around the targeted related criminals in March, 2021 . The conducted at Rupiny and Kitara FM in landscapes,” he noted . He noted that sensitization was aimed at creating Gulu and Masindi while in Kasese, Guide radio talk-shows provided feedback awareness about the punitive penalties in FM and Voice of Toro in Fort portal town on important interventions required to the new law and enlisting public support hosted the team in Western region . The avert illegal trade, poaching, minimising towards fighting wildlife crimes . A team team also distributed and displayed HWC and improving relations between headed by Deputy Director Community awareness materials in public places and communities and UWA . Conservation George Owoyesigire and border points . . Vanice Mirembe Manager Awareness and The Supervisor Customs Mpondwe Human Wildlife Conflict traversed Queen Deputy Director Community Conservation border Abel Gulu thanked UWA for Elizabeth and Murchison Falls landscape George Owoyesigire observed that the the timely initiative of sensitising the in North and Western Uganda to raise engagements provided an opportunity customs, immigration, police and the awareness . for raising awareness about wildlife general public . He noted that the initiative crimes and penalties . “It provided an would go a long way in creating awareness The sensitisations also focusedopportunity to understand the current of the new law and provide information at strengthening cross-sectoral situation on the ground . We observed that will deter crime based on people’s coordination and cooperation among that, cross-border illegal wildlife trade knowledge of the harsh penalties .

Conserving for Generations 14 | The Wildlife Mirror ////// Keeping you informed UWA RECEIVES TWO VEHICLES FOR ANTI-POACHING ACTIVITIES IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Conservation Area . “We are truly grateful impact in Queen Elizabeth National Park Director Sam Mwandha, on 17th March, to UCF, the EU and the CITES MIKES for the benefit of the conservation, the 2021 received two new Land Cruisers programme for their commitment to recovery of tourism and the contributions from UCF with funding secured from EU protecting Queen Elizabeth National to the regional and national economies,” / CITES MIKES . These specially modified Park, a core part of every Ugandans she said . patrol vehicles were secured for frontline heritage that we must conserve for of operations in Queen Elizabeth National future generations . At any one time, Michael Keigwin, Trustee of the Uganda Park . The function was attended by the UWA is needed in every corner of the Conservation Foundation was clearly EU delegation representative Nadia park to carry out on-going work and delighted to see the cars ready for the Cannata, Head Sustainable Development, resolve problems, they are large areas operations . “Everything we do is about Jalia Kobusigye, UCF Trustee Michael and these vehicles will enable us to be helping UWA succeed . UWA is full of Keigwin and UWA’s Deputy Director far more productive and successful in brilliant professionals . Our job is simply Field Operation Charles Tumwesigye . our operations . That will help everyone to enable success . I know these cars The vehicles are funded under a 3-year – including tourism and our closest will make a considerable impact in park project funded by European Union partners, the communities .” whether supporting anti-poaching, through UN Environment Program . resolving problem animal issues or The Project is implemented by Uganda On behalf of European Union, Ms . Nadia helping vets respond to injured wildlife . Conservation Fund and UWA . Cannata noted that the EU recognized the What a fantastic day, thank you UWA, incredible efforts and professionalism especially those on the frontline, and of The ED- UWA appreciated the funding UWA has shown, especially through such course all at CITES MIKES and the EU who put forward to ensure conservation difficult times . “We are positive these made this possible,” he said . sustainability in Queen Elizabeth cars will make a tremendous positive

ED UWA Sam Mwandha recieves Vehicles from EU delegation representative Ms .Nadia Cannata

Uganda Wildlife Authority Issue 8 May 2021 | 15

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