Hunting in Uganda Suspended

Hunting in Uganda Suspended

The new appointed Board of Directors of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) just announced last week to hunting operators that all sport hunting in Uganda is temporarily banned with immediate effect and until further notice. The letter that was sent to hunting operators by UWA mentioned concerns of illegal hunting as well as a need for more scientific criteria when setting species quota and equitable benefit sharing from the sport hunting activity.

Hunting operators in Uganda have taken action to address the UWA about this suspension and I will keep you posted as this matter develops.

Should you have an upcoming hunt in Uganda contact your hunting operator immediately to work through the issues.

That's discouraging. The opening of Uganda to hunting was one of the most exciting recent developments in the hunting world for me, even though I couldn't afford to go there! Let's hope they pick a path that respects the great resource that they have, their great hunting heritage, and the incredible economic and conservation potential of well-managed hunting.

Jerome,

I believe this information may be somewhat inaccurate. Apparently, there was a misunderstanding regarding the content of a letter from the Ugandan Wildlife Authority to the outfitters who operate there. Due to this poorly worded communication, someone over-reacted and announced that all hunting had been banned or suspended. However, this does not seem to be the case and safaris are being conducted currently and will continue. From what it sounds like, the issue was one or two specific concessions (not sure which) might, in fact, be affected and hunting in those particular areas may not be allowed for the time being. But, an overall ban has not been implemented and safaris are proceeding as planned. Many more details should come to light in the next few days and it would probably be wise to contact your outfitter to see what areas have been included. It sounds as though Karamoja Wildlife, WDM Wildlife, and Bruce Martin are not being affected at this tim.

pinotguy, thank you for your input and clarifying certain points on this matter and please keep us posted if you have any news from your side.

I have been in direct back and forth email contact over the last couple of days with Bruce Martin of Lake Albert Safaris in Uganda, who I have known for a couple of years now, basically relaying most of the information provided in my first post. Here is an extract from Bruce's email to me "All Sport Hunting in Uganda has temporarily been Banned. I hope by tomorrow to be off that list as we have done everything perfect and do not apply to the things they are complaining about."...

It is true that hunting operators are still finishing their current hunts with their clients. It is true that there are rumors that hunting will at least continue as usual for the remaining of the 2010 hunting season, however this is still uncertain. I should know more as this issue with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) develops, and will post updates as soon as I have more news. If anyone has information regarding this, please share it with all of us.

Just received a short email from Bruce Martin of Lake Albert Safaris, here is his message:

Hi Jerome
All three of my concessions have been given the green light for hunting again. I am offering 10 percent off for hunts this year!
Best Regards,
Bruce

Good news indeed, glad to hear that things are turning around that quickly!

If you want more information on Bruce's special offer or book a hunt with him contact him via his website at www.lakealbertlodge.com.

I do not know the current situation for the other hunting operators in Uganda, please share any information that you might have.

It sounds as though things have, more or less, returned to normal in Uganda. In addition to Lake Albert Safaris, Karamoja Wildlife is back up and running.

My questions are this:

What concession(s) and outfitter(s) were involved with the temporary ban?

How long will the ban for the specific area and outfitter be in effect?

Was a punitive action taken by UWA? If so, what was it?

What actions caused the UWA to intervene?

If there are further details, it would be great to hear them.