The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has awarded top conservation journalist across all media outlets in the country for their works in highlighting the country’s efforts in conservation of both flora and fauna.
This year’s awards which were financed by WildAid, underscored the growing importance of recognizing and encouraging journalism’s role in wildlife conservation.
The awards held on October 16, 2024, celebrated media professionals who have been instrumental in raising awareness of Uganda’s rich biodiversity, the challenges it faces, and the ongoing efforts to protect it.
The impact of Wildlife Awards like these are becoming increasingly significant on the global scene for they not only highlight the critical work done by conservationists but also serve as a powerful medium to engage broader audiences in wildlife conservation.
Around the world, such recognition can inspire communities and governments to strengthen their conservation efforts.
Uganda’s unique biodiversity, which includes iconic species like mountain gorillas, elephants, and rhinos, makes conservation essential not only for the country but for global biodiversity efforts.
According to Maz Robertson, the WildAid East Africa representative, the idea of wildlife awards is to inspire action since the media plays an unlimited role in influencing behavior, inspiring communities to protect wildlife, and generating widespread public awareness.
Robertson added that this can act as a bridge between conservationists and the public, through amplifying the urgency of issues such as poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
“Such awards can inspire more journalists to tackle these pressing topics, influencing global attitudes towards wildlife conservation and providing models for other nations facing similar challenges. The Importance of Wildlife Awards for Uganda’s Conservation Efforts, the revival of its conservation agenda relies heavily on public awareness and engagement,” she said.
Mr Sam Mwandha, the UWA Executive Director emphasized the role of the media in reshaping public perceptions about conservation, urging continued investment in this initiative to drive more positive change.
“These awards contribute to a broader debate on conservation, helping to generate informed discussions among the public and policymakers about the future of Uganda’s natural heritage,” he said.
The State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Mr Martin Mugarra, echoed this sentiment, urging stakeholders to continue supporting initiatives like these awards.
“By recognizing journalists, the awards not only promote accountability but also encourage more people to take a stand for conservation, thus playing a pivotal role in shaping Uganda’s conservation future,” he said.
Award Categories, Winners, and Prizes of the 2024 Uganda Conservation Media Awards honored outstanding media professionals across several categories.
This year’s winners came from diverse media outlets, showcasing the extensive reach and influence of conservation reporting in Uganda.
The categories included Wildlife Protection, Community Conservation, Habitats and Environment, and Wildlife Crime, among others.
Some of the notable winners were:
• Wildlife Photograph of the Year: Raymond Kagumire for “Snared Hartebeest”
• Wildlife Protection (Print/Online): Julius Luwemba for “Sgt. Adong Drops Gun after 35 Years of Protecting Wildlife”
• Wildlife Protection (Radio): Victor Andama for the report on the reintroduction of white rhinos to the East Madi Wildlife Reserve
• Community Conservation (Print/Online): Okello Jesus Ojara and Dramadri Frederick for their piece on community efforts to rescue Ajai Wildlife Reserve
• Habitats & Environment (TV/Video): Akiza Eli and Andrew Tushabe for a documentary on how climate change is impacting birds in Lake Mburo National Park.
Each winner received Ushs 5,000,000, a plaque, and free access to Uganda’s national parks for a year.
The cash prizes are significant, with a total of UGX 65 million awarded across various categories, boosting the morale of conservation journalists and supporting their future work.
The value of such awards goes beyond Uganda’s borders. Globally, they act as a model for how media can contribute to wildlife protection according to experts.
By highlighting the threats to biodiversity, from poaching to climate change, and showcasing the efforts of local communities and conservationists, these awards resonate with global conservation movements.
In an era where environmental degradation is a critical issue worldwide, recognizing conservation journalism provides hope and practical solutions that can inspire similar efforts in other countries.
For example, Prof. James Kalema, the UWA Board Chairman, stressed the importance of collective action to protect Uganda’s natural resources, urging the media to continue being an integral part of this battle.
He pointed out that the conservation challenges Uganda faces are also global issues, making Uganda’s efforts part of a larger conservation mission.
Mr Mugarra emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders and thanked WildAid for their financial and technical support and also called for more public awareness, stating that many Ugandans are still unaware of the significance of conservation.
On his part, Mwandha said the media has a critical role in reshaping Uganda’s conservation narrative.
Prof. James Kalema called for sustained efforts to protect Uganda’s wildlife amidst growing challenges such as climate change and human-wildlife conflicts.
The 2024 Uganda Conservation Media Awards showcased the essential role of the media in conservation efforts, both within Uganda and globally.
By honoring the work of dedicated journalists, UWA and WildAid are not only driving awareness but also encouraging a deeper, more engaged public dialogue on the urgent need for conservation.
Such initiatives are vital in protecting biodiversity and combating the challenges posed by poaching, habitat degradation, and climate change among others.
As Uganda continues to tackle its conservation challenges, these awards symbolize hope, highlighting the crucial role the media plays in ensuring a future where wildlife and humans can coexist harmoniously.
