Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has recovered Shs14.8 billion from the Shs18.8 billion in outstanding concession fees flagged by the Auditor General, marking a major turnaround in revenue collection within months.
The Auditor General’s report for the financial year 2024/25 revealed that UWA had failed to collect Shs18.8 billion from 55 tourism partners, citing weak contract management and oversight.
The audit also noted that 10 concessionaires were operating without valid agreements, exposing the authority to financial and legal risks.
Speaking to UG Bulletin, UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi said swift action, including stakeholder engagement and the recruitment of concession officers, enabled the authority to recover Shs14.8 billion, leaving only Shs2.7 billion outstanding.
“Through effective engagement with concessionaires, debt collectors, and direct communication, we have managed to recover the bulk of the outstanding funds,” Musinguzi said. “These funds are essential for conserving Uganda’s wildlife and natural resources, which in turn attract tourists and boost the economy.”
He emphasized that concession fees are central to financing conservation activities, including animal restoration, habitat protection, and anti-poaching measures.
“These revenues help us maintain wildlife numbers in our national parks and enhance tourism, one of the four government-identified sectors driving Uganda’s economic growth by 2040,” he noted.
Musinguzi added that the authority is strengthening systems to prevent future revenue leakages and ensure all tourism partners comply with contractual obligations.
Concessionaires have since demonstrated greater cooperation after understanding the link between their payments and tangible conservation outcomes.
“With visitors coming to Uganda, concessionaires benefit from lodges and services, which motivates compliance,” he said.
Recovery efforts for the remaining Shs2.7 billion are ongoing as UWA works to restore financial discipline and secure sustainable funding for wildlife conservation.
