The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has honoured 27 of its longest-serving staff in a vibrant ceremony held under the theme “Celebrating Legacy, Inspiring the Future.”
The event paid tribute to the retirees for their outstanding contributions to wildlife protection and conservation over the years.
Those recognized included renowned figures such as former Executive Director Sam Mwandha, veteran pilot Emmanuel Twesigye, senior conservationists Kule Asa Musinguzi and Pontius Ezuma, Aggrey Rwetsiba who served as Senior Manager for Ecological Monitoring and Research, and Mack Opwo, who headed UWA’s procurement department.
UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, applauded the retirees for laying the foundation on which UWA’s current achievements rest.
“When you serve honourably and reach a time to go, you should be appreciated. Your names will forever be remembered in the corridors of UWA,” Dr. Musinguzi said, amid applause.
He called on current staff to emulate the same passion, unity and professionalism that defined the careers of the honorees.
Board Chairperson Prof. James Kalema likened retirement to "putting on new tyres," calling it a continuation of one’s journey rather than an end. Reflecting on his own retirement from the former Uganda National Parks, he urged UWA to invest in retirement preparedness for its workforce.
“Retirement comes with opportunities, but also challenges. That time, if not well utilized, can become a burden,” Prof. Kalema warned.
The Director of Tourism, Basil Ajer—speaking on behalf of Tourism Minister Tom Butime—called on UWA leadership to prioritise staff welfare both during and after service.
“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.”
Geoffrey Sseremba, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, described the retirees as “silent giants” whose efforts helped boost the country’s wildlife populations, from elephants to mountain gorillas.
“Your work may not have made headlines, but it changed Uganda’s conservation story in permanent ways,” said Sseremba, who represented the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Doreen Katusiime.
He also paid tribute to the families of the retirees, noting their sacrifices and endurance through years of separation and uncertainty. Sseremba encouraged the honorees to stay engaged in conservation by mentoring younger staff and continuing to be advocates for Uganda’s wildlife.
The celebratory event served as both a tribute and a reminder of the invaluable human capital behind Uganda’s globally recognized conservation success.