UWA Boosts Conservation Efforts with UNDP-Donated Drones

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has significantly bolstered its conservation toolkit with the acquisition of six advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), generously donated by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The handover ceremony, held on July 30, 2024, saw the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Honourable Tom Butime, officially receive the cutting-edge technology from Ms. Nwanneakolam Vwede-Obahor, the UNDP resident representative for Uganda.

Minister Butime expressed deep gratitude for the donation, emphasizing its critical role in strengthening wildlife protection and safeguarding natural habitats across Uganda. “These drones will empower us to protect our wildlife and natural habitats more effectively,” he stated, highlighting a commitment to leveraging new technologies for the long-term sustainability of Uganda’s precious ecosystems. He also acknowledged the importance of the ongoing collaboration with UNDP.

Ms. Vwede-Obahor underscored the donation as a testament to the robust partnership between Uganda and the UNDP, driven by a shared dedication to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. She recognized the significant potential of Uganda’s tourism sector to improve livelihoods and affirmed the UNDP’s continued support for both UWA and the broader tourism industry.

UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha noted that the new drones represent a major leap forward in the authority’s ability to manage protected areas. “These drones will provide UWA with real-time aerial surveillance, enhance our ability to monitor vast and remote areas, gather crucial data on wildlife movements, and respond swiftly to any threats,” Mwandha explained, anticipating a substantial strengthening of conservation strategies.

The drones are slated for deployment across various national parks and wildlife reserves, offering an invaluable aerial perspective for tracking animal migrations, assessing habitat health, and conducting detailed wildlife population surveys. The data gathered will be instrumental in refining conservation approaches and ensuring the preservation of Uganda’s rich wildlife heritage for future generations. This initiative aligns with UWA’s broader strategy to embrace innovative solutions for contemporary conservation challenges.

Source: https://ugandawildlife.org/uwa-receives-drones-from-undp