Board of Trustees Visit Semuliki National Park, Home of the True Birders’ Haven.
The fourth day of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Board of Trustees supervisory mission began today at Semuliki National Park headquarters in Ntandi, a park renowned as “the true birders’ haven” and for its spectacular hot springs.
The team first proceeded to Bumaga, where staff accommodation units are under construction, before moving to the Sempaya Visitor Centre. They inspected the current visitor facilities and the proposed site for a new Visitor Information Centre.
A guided nature walk to the famous male and female hot springs gave the delegation an opportunity to experience the steaming geysers and bubbling pools. During this visit, different ideas were shared on how to make this iconic site even more popular alongside other tourism activities in the area.
Later, the Board travelled to Toro–Semuliki Wildlife Reserve, stopping at Kunama outpost, where ranger accommodation units are under construction to improve welfare and strengthen frontline protection efforts.
The day concluded with a meeting at Isunga Park Headquarters in Kibale Conservation Area (KCA). During the meeting, the Senior Manager for Field Operations, Mr. Charles Tumwesigye, updated staff on upcoming orientations for new officers and the rollout of new procurements such as uniforms. He also officially welcomed the new UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, marking his first visit to KCA since taking office.
In his remarks, Dr. Musinguzi congratulated KCA staff for winning gold in the Inter-CA football competition and urged rangers to continue observing human rights in all law enforcement operations. He assured them that the Board is working hard to remove Pay As You Earn (PAYE) so that every ranger can receive a full one million shillings in salary. He emphasized innovation and hard work, while strongly discouraging illegal practices such as fraudulent tracking or corruption. He also revealed that management and the Board have a goodwill plan to recruit more guides by November to strengthen and stabilize guiding services.
The Board Chair, Prof. James Kalema, began by reminding staff of the vital role of the Board of Trustees in safeguarding wildlife conservation across the country, both within and outside protected areas. He praised the teamwork and professionalism demonstrated by KCA staff and congratulated them once again for their Inter-CA football victory. Prof. Kalema also officially introduced Dr. Musinguzi to the staff, urging them to give him strong support to achieve UWA’s conservation goals.
As the supervisory mission continues, the Board will tomorrow conclude their activities with a visit to Katonga Wildlife Reserve.