UWA to secure chopper for parks surveillence

In a bid to beef up security in all the National Parks in the country, officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority have asked parliament to approve Shs 10 billion to enable them procure a helicopter that will be used in surveillance of all the Parks.

According to the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority Sam Mwandha away from beefing up security for tourists, the helicopter will also be used in deployment, animal counts among others in order to reduce human- wildlife conflicts.

Mwandha made the revelation while meeting MPs on the parliamentary Committee on Trade, Tourism and Industry to defend UWA's proposed budget of Shs 144 billion for next financial year.

Mwandha reassured tourists that Uganda Wildlife Authority in conjunction with other security organs are on the top of the game in ensuring adequate security in all National parks downplaying the kidnapping of American tourist, Kimberly Sue early this month.

Mwandha also said that UWA needs Shs 10 billion to procure road equipment that will be used in the construction and repairing of roads in all the National Parks.

The MPs however tasked the officials to justify the Shs 2 billion described as classified expenditure for the authority.