Uganda urged to subsidize wildlife conservation technology costs

In a briefing with the media before the World Wildlife Day celebrations, Weredwong urged the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities to consider subsidizing the cost of imported technology used for monitoring and planning for endangered species in protected areas.

"These technologies are very expensive and if we are to cover an expansive area, we need more of them," he remarked.

"That is why we as NGOs are appealing to you the minister that if within our ministry you could consider some incentives especially for technologies that are brought into the country for conservation, some tax exemptions, so that we can deploy more and ensure that our protected areas are covered."

Weredwong mentioned that WWF has implemented drone technology in the Rwenzori mountains, aiding the Uganda Wildlife Authority in glacier mapping and documenting endangered species previously unmonitored. "This is critical for planning and also enhancing the tourism potential of the park," he stated.

Daniel Ndizihiwe, WWF's Manager for Wildlife and Protected Areas, noted a decline in Uganda’s carnivore populations, attributing it to "retaliatory killings by communities surrounding the protected areas."

He explained that a limited prey base forces carnivores to travel long distances for food, which affects their reproduction and contributes to population decline.

The Minister for Tourism, Hon Tom Butime, reaffirmed the government's commitment to embracing modern technologies in conservation.

"My Ministry will promote more investments and research into these digital approaches to ensure we secure a future where humans and wildlife thrive and live in harmony," he said.

Butime also highlighted Uganda's commitment to digital innovations in upholding environmental agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and the Convention on Migratory Species.

Despite some population growth among certain animal species, the minister emphasized the need for increased efforts to combat threats like poaching, retaliatory killings, deforestation, and encroachment on wildlife habitats, which affect key species such as chimpanzees and lions.

Uganda will participate in the United Nations World Wildlife Day celebrations on March 3, 2024, with the national event taking place in Kyenjojo District. H.E., the President of the Republic of Uganda, will be the Chief Guest.