ENTEBBE — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has strengthened its ex-situ wildlife conservation programme with the addition of two African wild dogs to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe, bringing the total number of animal species under its care to 69.
The male and female African wild dogs were donated by Conservation Through Commercialization (CTC) and officially handed over to UWA during a ceremony held on Friday. The animals were received by Assistant Commissioner Geoffrey Mwedde on behalf of the Commissioner for Community Conservation and Ex-situ Wildlife Services, Mr. David Musingo.
The introduction of the endangered species marks another milestone in UWA’s efforts to expand conservation education, scientific research and wildlife tourism while supporting the long-term survival of threatened species.
Speaking during the handover, Conservation Through Commercialization (CTC) founder Thomas Price said the partnership is intended to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to conserve African wild dogs through collaborative conservation initiatives.
“We believe this partnership will enhance national capacity to protect and conserve this endangered species while creating opportunities for education and research,” Mr. Price said.
Receiving the animals, Mr. Mwedde commended CTC for supporting Uganda’s wildlife conservation agenda, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector.
“It is important for the Government of Uganda to continue working with the private sector to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts across the country. Such collaborations are essential for protecting our natural heritage,” he said.
Dr. Recheal, Assistant Commissioner for Ex-situ Wildlife Management at UWA, said the addition of the African wild dogs will enhance the Authority’s ex-situ conservation services by providing new opportunities for research, conservation education and tourism.
She noted that visitors, students and researchers will benefit from increased access to one of Africa’s most endangered carnivore species, while the initiative will also contribute to raising public awareness about wildlife conservation.
UWA’s ex-situ conservation programme plays a critical role in wildlife education, rehabilitation, breeding and research by providing safe habitats for species that require specialized management outside their natural ecosystems.
The Authority said the arrival of the African wild dogs underscores its commitment to conserving Uganda’s biodiversity through strategic partnerships and innovative conservation approaches aimed at safeguarding endangered wildlife for future generations.