UWA Releases Grey Parrots with World-First GPS Tracking on Ngamba Island

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has released four rehabilitated African Grey Parrots on Ngamba Island, marking a historic milestone in wildlife conservation and research.

The parrots are part of a group of 119 that were confiscated at the Bunagana border in April 2022 and later rehabilitated at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe. This follows a successful release of more than 50 birds into Kibaale National Park in June 2023.

What makes the Ngamba release unprecedented is the fitting of the parrots with GPS trackers — the first such initiative globally. The devices will help conservationists monitor the birds’ movements, survival, and adaptation to the wild, while also supporting ecotourism.

Chief Warden, David Musingo, hailed the release as “a milestone in avian conservation,” praising the collaboration that made it possible.

He credited Chubu University of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their technical and financial support.

Professor Ushida Kazunari of Chubu University confirmed that initial GPS tests had returned promising results, raising hopes for breakthroughs in tracking and protecting endangered bird species.

African Grey Parrots are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Conservationists say these innovative monitoring efforts will not only strengthen Uganda’s wildlife protection but also set a precedent for global avian conservation.