Dr Musinguzi Defends Wildlife Utilization Policy, Emphasizes Strict Licensing System

By Frank Kamuntu 

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible wildlife conservation and sustainable utilization, following public discussion on social media regarding the sale of wild meat in Uganda.

The conversation emerged after an X user questioned how a restaurant could legally serve wild meat while conservation agencies continue efforts to protect wildlife populations. In response, UWA moved swiftly to clarify the legal framework governing wildlife utilization and the safeguards in place to prevent abuse.

Speaking on UBC TV, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi explained that Uganda’s wildlife laws are designed to balance conservation with sustainable economic use of wildlife resources through a well-regulated licensing system.

“The law provides for sustainable wildlife utilization, and it provides for wildlife user rights classes,” Dr. Musinguzi said. “Any individual in Uganda is free to come and carry out sustainable wildlife utilization using the different classes of wildlife user rights that have been established.”

Dr. Musinguzi emphasized that UWA’s approach is rooted in modern conservation principles that promote both wildlife protection and socio-economic benefits. Uganda’s legal framework allows regulated activities such as wildlife trade, ranching, farming, tourism, recreation, and other licensed wildlife-related enterprises under strict oversight.

Addressing concerns surrounding the restaurant at the center of the debate, Dr. Musinguzi clarified that the establishment is fully licensed by UWA and operates within the law. He explained that the restaurant was specifically authorized to import wild meat rather than source it from Uganda’s wildlife populations.

“The restaurant being talked about was licensed to import wild meat. This is not meat that is got within Uganda. No. It is wild meat that is imported from South Africa, Namibia and Botswana,” he said.

According to Dr. Musinguzi, UWA maintains rigorous monitoring and compliance measures to ensure that all imports are properly documented and accounted for. The restaurant was licensed to import up to 800 kilograms of wild meat during 2026, with authorities tracking consignments from the point of entry into the country.

“For example, we licensed that restaurant to import 800 kilograms of meat for the whole year of 2026, and we monitor that all through the border as they bring it,” he added.

The clarification highlights UWA’s commitment to transparency and evidence-based regulation, distinguishing lawful wildlife utilization from illegal poaching and wildlife trafficking. The authority has consistently maintained that licensed wildlife products operate within a controlled framework that supports conservation objectives while preventing pressure on Uganda’s wildlife resources.

Under Dr. Musinguzi’s leadership, UWA has also continued to strengthen the country’s capacity to combat wildlife crime. Earlier on Wednesday, he announced the establishment of Uganda’s Wildlife DNA Forensic Laboratory, a significant milestone in conservation enforcement.

The state-of-the-art facility will enable authorities to identify animal species, trace the origin of wildlife products, and provide scientific evidence to support investigations and prosecutions of wildlife crimes. Conservation experts view the laboratory as a major step forward in safeguarding Uganda’s biodiversity and enhancing accountability within the wildlife sector.

UWA’s ongoing investments in enforcement, scientific innovation, and regulatory oversight reflect a broader strategy aimed at protecting wildlife while ensuring that lawful wildlife-related enterprises operate sustainably and responsibly.

As discussions continue around wildlife utilization, Dr Musinguzi has reiterated that there is a clear distinction between licensed, regulated wildlife products and illegally sourced bushmeat. The Authority boss maintains that robust monitoring systems, strict licensing requirements, and enhanced enforcement measures are helping Uganda strike a balance between conservation, economic opportunity, and sustainable use of natural resources.