Kampala — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has received three Land Cruiser vehicles from the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) to strengthen One Health surveillance and response efforts across key protected areas in the country.
The vehicles were officially handed over by GVTC Executive Secretary Andrew Seguya to UWA Board Chairperson George Owoyesigyire, who later presented them to UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi for operational deployment.
According to Dr Seguya, the support is intended to improve surveillance activities, enhance transportation of laboratory samples, and strengthen community engagement in hard-to-reach conservation areas.
“This support will enhance surveillance, improve laboratory sample transportation, and strengthen community engagement in remote conservation areas. This is just the beginning, more support is coming,” Dr Seguya said.
On behalf of the Board, Mr Owoyesigyire welcomed the donation, noting that it will significantly improve wildlife health monitoring and disease surveillance across Uganda’s protected areas.
Dr Musinguzi emphasised that the vehicles will strengthen the implementation of the One Health approach, which integrates the health of people, wildlife, and domestic animals to improve early detection and response to zoonotic diseases.
He noted that improved mobility for field teams will enhance rapid response capabilities, particularly in remote conservation zones where access has previously been a challenge.
The donation comes as Uganda continues to scale up wildlife conservation efforts and disease surveillance systems in collaboration with regional partners under cross-border conservation frameworks.