UWA introduces rare African wild dogs at UWEC Entebbe

Entebbe, Uganda: The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has strengthened its ex-situ wildlife conservation programme with the arrival of two African wild dogs at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe.

The newly introduced pair, one male and one female, brings the total number of animal species housed at the conservation centre to 69.

The endangered animals were donated by Conservation Through Commercialization (CTC) and officially received by Assistant Commissioner Geoffrey Mwedde on behalf of the Commissioner for Community Conservation and Ex-situ Wildlife Services, David Musingo.

The introduction forms part of UWA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen wildlife conservation, education, research and public awareness through its ex-situ conservation programme.

Speaking during the handover, Thomas Price, the founder of Conservation Through Commercialization, said the partnership seeks to strengthen Uganda’s capacity to conserve the endangered species.

“This collaboration aims to enhance national capacity for these endangered species,” Price said.

UWA’s Mwedde thanked CTC for supporting Uganda’s wildlife conservation efforts and emphasised the importance of partnerships between government and the private sector. “It is crucial for the Government of Uganda to collaborate with the private sector to enhance wildlife conservation in this country,” he said.

Dr. Recheal, Assistant Commissioner for Ex-situ Wildlife Management at UWA, said adding African wild dogs to the Authority’s ex-situ collection will strengthen research, conservation education and tourism.

She noted that the new arrivals will provide opportunities for visitors, researchers and students to learn more about one of Africa’s most endangered carnivore species while supporting broader conservation objectives.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority has continued expanding its conservation education initiatives as part of efforts to increase public appreciation of wildlife and strengthen protection of endangered species across the country.

The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), now managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, serves as Uganda’s national ex-situ conservation facility, focusing on wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, conservation education, research and captive breeding programmes. The addition of African wild dogs expands the diversity of species under its care and supports efforts to raise awareness about threatened wildlife.