UWA Receives Advanced Drones from UNDP to Bolster Conservation Efforts

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has received a boost in its conservation efforts with the donation of six advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The official handover ceremony, held on Tuesday, was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime, who expressed gratitude for the support.

Minister Butime emphasized the importance of this contribution to Uganda's wildlife conservation initiatives.

"This contribution of drones from UNDP is important in our conservation efforts. These drones will empower us to protect our wildlife and natural habitats more effectively."

"We are committed to leveraging this technology to ensure the long-term sustainability of our precious ecosystems. We thank UNDP for their support and look forward to continued collaboration," he stated.

UNDP resident representative for Uganda, Ms. Nwanneakolam Vwede-Obahor, highlighted the strong partnership between Uganda and UNDP, driven by a shared commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

She underscored the potential of the tourism sector to drive development and improve livelihoods in Uganda, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges.

"Uganda is a country of natural beauty, our support to UWA reflects our commitment to enhancing Uganda’s capacity to protect its unique wildlife and natural resources."

"The UNDP will continue to support not only UWA but the tourism sector as a whole because of its contribution to the economic development of Uganda," she said.

UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha noted that the newly acquired drones represent a significant advancement in UWA’s capacity to monitor and manage protected areas.

"These drones will provide UWA with real-time aerial surveillance, enhance our ability to monitor vast and remote areas, gather crucial data on wildlife movements, and respond swiftly to any threats, thereby significantly strengthening our conservation strategies," Mwandha explained.

The drones will be deployed across various national parks and wildlife reserves, offering a comprehensive view of Uganda’s diverse ecosystems.

This technology will assist UWA in tracking animal migration patterns, assessing habitat health, and conducting detailed surveys of wildlife populations. The data collected will be invaluable in shaping effective conservation strategies, ensuring that Uganda’s wildlife heritage is preserved for future generations.