The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has entered a new chapter with the appointment of James Musinguzi as its Executive Director, succeeding Sam Mwandha, who retired after seven years of service.
During the official handover ceremony, Musinguzi laid out an ambitious vision to transform Uganda’s tourism sector into a $50 billion industry by 2040. His plan aligns with Uganda’s broader economic agenda, which aims to expand the country’s GDP from $50 billion to $500 billion over the next 15 years, with tourism playing a key role in this transformation.
“We are on the cusp of a transformative journey,” Musinguzi declared, emphasizing the untapped potential of Uganda’s diverse wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. He pledged to drive innovation and strategic partnerships to position Uganda as a top global tourist destination.
Professor James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, commended Mwandha for his dedication to strengthening the institution’s structures and enhancing Uganda’s conservation efforts. Under Mwandha’s leadership, UWA bolstered anti-poaching measures, improved community engagement, and expanded conservation projects.
As Musinguzi takes the reins, stakeholders in Uganda’s tourism and conservation sectors are eager to see how his leadership will shape the industry’s future. With the right policies, investment, and international collaboration, Uganda’s goal of becoming a multi-billion-dollar tourism hub could soon become a reality.
