By Swift Reporter
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has commenced the phased translocation of 200 Uganda Kobs from Murchison Falls National Park to Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve in a major conservation intervention aimed at restoring wildlife populations, strengthening the reserve’s ecological resilience and boosting tourism.
The exercise began Wednesday morning, with UWA wildlife capture, veterinary and law enforcement teams working jointly to safely capture, handle, transport and release the animals into their new habitat.
The translocation is being carried out in phases to safeguard the welfare of the animals and personnel, with the overall target of relocating 200 Uganda Kobs through a series of operations.
Speaking during a briefing, Dr. Patrick Atimnedi, Assistant Commissioner for Veterinary Services and team leader of the translocation exercise, said the safety of both the animals and the teams involved remains the top priority.
“Our priority is the safety of personnel, the animals and equipment, while ensuring that the animals are delivered safely, acclimatize and eventually establish themselves in their new habitat in Pian.”
Dr. Atimnedi said the operation is being conducted in line with internationally recognised conservation standards, as well as UWA’s established wildlife management procedures.
“This translocation exercise, like the previous ones, is in strict adherence to IUCN guidelines for conservation translocation and follows the species-specific protocols that we have developed through experience over the years.”
He said the intervention is intended to expand the range of Uganda Kobs, diversify wildlife populations in Pian Upe and strengthen the reserve’s tourism potential.
According to Dr. Atimnedi, the benefits of restoring wildlife populations in the reserve are also expected to extend to communities living around Pian Upe through increased tourism activity and related economic opportunities.
Afande Bwire Isaih, Chief Warden of Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve, described the translocation as a significant step towards restoring wildlife populations and supporting the ecological recovery of the Pian Upe ecosystem.
He said the introduction of Uganda Kobs will improve the population’s viability and demographic stability while enhancing genetic diversity and strengthening the species’ representation within the reserve.
Afande Bwire added that the intervention demonstrates UWA’s commitment to restoring the ecological integrity of protected areas that have experienced prolonged human pressure and habitat degradation.
“As the Pian Upe Conservation Area family, we are very proud of UWA and all our partners for this thoughtful exercise.”
The arrival of the Uganda Kobs is expected to enrich Pian Upe’s wildlife diversity and enhance its appeal as a tourism destination. Increased tourism could, in turn, create opportunities for surrounding communities through employment, tourism enterprises and other businesses along the tourism value chain.
The exercise has also attracted support from conservation and tourism partners, including Kobs Safaris in Pian Upe, whose representatives are on the ground to witness and support the operation.
The translocation forms part of UWA’s broader wildlife population management strategy aimed at restoring and strengthening animal populations across Uganda’s protected areas.
Beyond increasing wildlife numbers, the strategy seeks to improve ecosystem resilience and ensure that conservation contributes to sustainable tourism and lasting socio-economic benefits for communities neighbouring protected areas.
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