KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has reported a strong nationwide turnout in its ongoing ranger recruitment exercise, with thousands of young Ugandans competing for positions aimed at strengthening wildlife protection.
According to UWA updates, large numbers of candidates reported at various conservation areas across the country, highlighting growing interest among youth in conservation careers.
At the Bwindi Conservation Area, more than 1,433 candidates turned up for the exercise, while 1,185 shortlisted applicants reported for registration at Katungulu Park Headquarters in Queen Elizabeth National Park. Officials described the process as calm, organised, and corruption-free, with an emphasis on fairness.
In Murchison Falls Conservation Area, the recruitment began with a structured briefing of 3,602 candidates at Kabalega Secondary School Grounds in Masindi. The session, led by Chief Warden Fredrick Kiiza, outlined procedures and expectations ahead of the physical fitness assessments.
Meanwhile, at the Mount Elgon Conservation Area, the first phase of the recruitment — a 5-kilometre run — concluded successfully, with about 320 candidates progressing to the next stage of medical examinations.
UWA said the recruitment drive is intended to bolster its ranger force to better safeguard Uganda’s wildlife resources within and outside protected areas.
The exercise is taking place across multiple conservation zones, forming part of broader efforts by the authority to enhance capacity in combating poaching, managing protected areas, and supporting sustainable tourism.
Uganda’s national parks and conservation areas are key to the country’s biodiversity and tourism sector, employing rangers as frontline personnel responsible for protecting wildlife and enforcing conservation laws.
