In Summary: The recruits, who form the authority’s pioneer cohort, are scheduled to pass out on December 4, 2026, in a milestone expected to strengthen UWA’s capacity to protect wildlife and enforce conservation laws.
Kampala, Uganda — Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Minister Tom Butime has commended the preparedness of 1,358 Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) ranger recruits following an inspection of their training at Lugaya Training School in Murchison Falls National Park.
Butime visited the training facility to assess the recruits’ readiness ahead of their pass-out ceremony scheduled for December 4, 2026.
Accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, the minister was received by UWA Executive Director Dr James Musinguzi and other senior officials before inspecting a guard of honour mounted in his honour.
The recruits, who constitute the pioneer cohort at Lugaya Training School, demonstrated their acquired skills in range shooting, martial arts and parade drills, showcasing their preparedness for wildlife protection and law enforcement duties.
Addressing the trainees, Butime reminded them that their selection from among many applicants presented an opportunity to serve the country by protecting its wildlife resources. He challenged them to uphold discipline, dedication and professionalism as they prepare to assume their responsibilities in the field.
The minister urged the recruits to apply their training responsibly, particularly when confronting suspected poachers and managing encounters with wildlife. He emphasised the need for sound judgement to protect wildlife, ensure their personal safety and safeguard communities living around conservation areas.
Butime commended UWA and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their contribution to the training programme, praising the recruits for their resilience, determination and discipline. He expressed satisfaction with their performance and said he looked forward to witnessing their pass-out in December.
Beyond their professional responsibilities, the minister encouraged the recruits to maintain the discipline acquired during training in their personal lives. He cautioned them against preventable health risks, including HIV/AIDS, urging them to make responsible choices and safeguard their health and wellbeing as they transition into service.
The visit also featured a lecture by George Owoyesigire, Commissioner for Wildlife Conservation at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, who took the recruits through the legal and policy framework governing Uganda’s wildlife sector.
The session covered the ministry’s responsibilities in sector planning, budgeting, policy development, coordination and regulation of international wildlife trade. It also examined the institutional relationship between the ministry and UWA, Uganda’s wider tourism development agenda and the contribution of conservation partners to wildlife protection.
The December 4 ceremony will mark the completion of training for Lugaya Training School’s first cohort of 1,358 recruits, a development expected to boost UWA’s operational capacity in wildlife protection, conservation law enforcement and responses to emerging threats.
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