The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) hosted a colorful ceremony to honor 27 of its retirees for their years of selfless and dedicated service to wildlife conservation.
The event, themed “Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring the Future,” recognized the remarkable generation of conservationists, chief wardens, administrative officers, and support staff whose contributions have helped shape Uganda’s conservation success story.
Among the notable retirees recognized were long-serving conservation stalwarts such as Former Executive Director Sam Mwandha, Emmanuel Twesigye, pilot, Kule Asa Musinguzi, Pontius Ezuma, Chief Wardens, Aggrey Rwetsiba, Senior Manager for Ecological Monitoring and Research, and Mack Opwo, Manager Procurement.
UWA Executive Director, Dr James Musinguzi, acknowledged the profound foundation laid by those retiring, noting that UWA’s current stability and global recognition in conservation, stand on the building blocks set by these individuals.
“When you serve honorably and reach a time to go, you should be appreciated. Your names will forever be remembered in the corridors of UWA,” Dr Musinguzi declared to a round of applause.
He emphasized the importance of staff unity and working with passion, urging current UWA staff to emulate the retirees’ dedication. “Let’s project UWA as a great brand. We are who we are because of UWA.”
Professor James Kalema, Chairperson of the UWA Board, metaphorically described retirement as “putting on new tyres,” symbolizing a new and vibrant journey rather than an end.
Drawing from his own experience as a retiree from Uganda National Parks (now UWA), he reminded attendees of the sacrifices retirees made often working in harsh, isolated conditions and the importance of preparing staff psychologically and financially for life after service.
“Retirement comes with opportunities, but also challenges. That time, if not well utilized, can become a burden. We need to prepare our teams for it,” Prof Kalema advised.
The Director of Tourism Basil Ajer, issued a strong call to action to UWA leadership to prioritize staff welfare—both in active service and in retirement.
“Retirement should not mean invisibility or hardship. It should not mean being forgotten,” Ajer said. “We expect to see policies and programs that support our people long after their last patrol or boardroom meeting.”
He urged current staff to draw strength and inspiration from the retirees’ journeys, and reminded UWA leadership of their duty to create a culture of support and sustainability. Ajer made the remarks on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Tom Butiime.
Geoffrey Sseremba, Under Secretary, Ministry of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, hailed the retirees as silent giants whose efforts directly contributed to Uganda’s growing wildlife populations, from elephants to gorillas.
“Your work may not have made news headlines, but it changed Uganda’s conservation story in permanent ways,” Sseremba said.
He also recognized the often-overlooked families of the retirees for enduring long absences, uncertainties, and sacrifices.
Sseremba who represented the Permanent Secretary Doreen Katusiime, further encouraged retirees to remain active in the conservation space, mentoring younger staff and continuing to advocate for wildlife protection.