A Donation to Fight Crime in the Wild
“The loss of tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a reduction of sources of revenue for UWA. This gesture of extending help to where it is needed most to conserve wildlife is very applauded,”
Tourism enthusiasts across Africa have donated towards fighting wildlife plundering in Uganda during the pandemic. Through their umbrella organisation, Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF), they delivered a total of thirteen motorbikes with their riding jackets, and helmets to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
According to AWF’s Executive Director, Suudi Bamulesewa the bikes will help facilitate UWA’s Wildlife Crime Investigation unit’s move faster to track and attend to incidences of wildlife crime across protected areas.
UWA acknowledged receipt of the bikes that were handed over to Chairman Board of Trustees, Dr. Panta Kasoma flanked by UWA Executive Director, Sam Mwandha, and top management members at Uganda Museum.
In his remarks, Dr. Panta appreciated AWF for the numerous donations extended to the institution especially during the COVID-19 crisis that has strengthened law enforcement operations in the key parks and other wildlife habitations, which have been key to the conservation of biodiversity. He noted that the poaching incidences that had previously increased around some protected areas have considerably reduced.
He attributes the reduction of poaching activities to the conservation partners like AWF who contributed the resources for conservation work.
“The loss of tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a reduction of sources of revenue for UWA. This gesture of extending help to where it is needed most to conserve wildlife is very applauded,” Dr. Panta said.
On behalf of AWF, Mr. Bamulesewa pledged to continue supporting the conservation efforts and was delighted to be associated with UWA in fulfillment of their conservation mandate. “We shall continue to support all efforts geared towards having wildlife flourish in this country,” he disclosed.
Sam Mwandha, the UWA director also appreciated the great partnership and the fantastic job AWF has been doing in facilitating the protection of wildlife in the country especially during the COVID-19 crisis. “This contribution will enable UWA staff effectively secure national parks better and frustrate the people bend on doing poaching in the protected areas,” he said.
By CivSource Team