Education Key to Wildlife Coexistence and Regulated Pet Ownership in Uganda, Says Acting Commissioner

George Owoyesigire, acting Commissioner of Wildlife Conservation at Uganda’s Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, emphasizes that lack of understanding leads people to harm wildlife they fear, such as non-venomous snakes like pythons.

In a candid interview in Jinja, he explained the Uganda Wildlife Act allows owning certain indigenous species from licensed breeders with a UWA licence, and exotic ones after rigorous risk assessments to avoid threats to local biodiversity.

Prospective owners must detail care plans, housing, feeding, and health, submit to inspections, and report deaths or movements. The government prioritizes breeders over wild captures and is drafting clearer rules on fees, limits, and banned species like elephants or gorillas.

Private zoos and facilities face strict monitoring, including tracking chips, to curb illegal trade. Uganda bolsters enforcement with trained personnel, sniffer dogs, and CITES cooperation.

Owoyesigire sees regulated ownership fostering appreciation, countering views of animals as threats. A national strategy targets schools, communities, churches, and media to teach behaviors, safety, and ecology, aiming for coexistence.

Future plans include updating the Wildlife Act for community benefits, conservancies, and indigenous knowledge integration.

Source: Daily Monitor