UWA Defends UGX10Bn Helicopter Plan as James Musinguzi Explains Bigger Conservation Strategy

The debate over Uganda Wildlife Authority’s (UWA) UGX10 billion request to purchase a helicopter recently intensified, with Members of Parliament questioning the cost and sustainability of the proposal.

But according to UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi, the helicopter is not a luxury — it is a necessity for modern wildlife conservation.

“When this came up in Parliament, there was a lot of noise. People asked, ‘Helicopter? You want to waste taxpayers’ money? What for?’” Musinguzi said.

He explained that the aircraft will significantly strengthen UWA’s ability to respond to emergencies across Uganda’s vast protected areas.

“Once UWA acquires a helicopter, we shall be able to put out fires that break out in the parks. We shall be able to chase back elephants that come out to destroy crops and even kill people. We shall also carry out veterinary procedures that can only be done from the air,” Musinguzi said.

Aerial Firefighting and Elephant Control

Uganda’s national parks, including Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park, cover vast and sometimes inaccessible terrain.

Musinguzi noted that ground patrols alone are not enough, especially during the dry season when wildfires spread quickly.

He also highlighted the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict, particularly elephants straying into communities.

“There are animals like elephants which you can only dart when you are in a helicopter. From the air, you can administer treatment or safely guide them back into the park,” he explained.

According to UWA, the helicopter will support rapid response operations, wildlife rescue missions and ecological monitoring.

Complementing Electric Fencing Efforts

The helicopter plan comes alongside ongoing investments in electric fencing. UWA has already installed over 200 kilometres of electric fencing in hotspot areas to prevent elephants from invading farms.

Communities near protected areas have reported improved safety.

“In some areas, families never used to sleep. Fathers would sleep outside guarding crops. Where the electric fence has been put, people are now sleeping peacefully,” Musinguzi revealed.

However, he noted that fencing alone cannot eliminate all risks, especially in vast landscapes where wildlife movement is unpredictable.

Supporting Veterinary and Ecological Monitoring

Beyond conflict mitigation, the helicopter will allow UWA to transport veterinary teams quickly to injured animals, particularly those harmed by poachers.

It will also be used for aerial wildlife censuses and tracking invasive species — tasks that are difficult to conduct effectively on land.

“Sometimes we can’t do this on land because the areas are vast. We need to monitor from the air,” Musinguzi said.

Budget Scrutiny in Parliament

The helicopter request forms part of UWA’s broader UGX240 billion budget proposal for the 2026/27 financial year. While MPs have raised concerns about whether the UGX10 billion covers maintenance costs, UWA officials clarified that the amount is strictly for procurement of a new aircraft.

Despite the scrutiny, Musinguzi maintains that the investment will save money in the long run by reducing wildlife-related destruction, improving response time, and strengthening conservation outcomes.

“We need the public to understand that these interventions are necessary. This is about protecting lives, protecting wildlife and protecting Uganda’s tourism,” he emphasized.

As tourism remains one of Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earners, UWA argues that modern tools like aerial surveillance are essential if the country is to sustain and grow its conservation success story.