The African Wildlife Foundation Gave Uganda 13 bikes as a Boost to Fight Poaching

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has sent 13 motorbikes to Uganda to help tackle poaching, a timely boost as resources are being redirected across the world to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation follows that of hundreds of items to assist the rangers on patrol, including heavy-duty single man tents.

“The loss of tourists due to the COVID pandemic has contributed to a decline in Uganda Wildlife Authority’s sources of revenue. This gesture of extending assistance to where wildlife protection is most needed is highly applauded, “Dr Panta Kasoma, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of UWA, said.

In his remarks, Dr Panta appreciated AWF for the numerous donations extended to the institution especially during the COVID 19 crisis that have strengthened law enforcement operations which have been key to the conservation of biodiversity.

He noted that the incidences of poaching which had previously increased in some protected areas are now substantially reduced. This he attributes partly to the conservation collaborators such as AWF who have contributed the conservation work tools.

The 13 motorbikes all have riding jackets and helmets that will make it easier for UWA ‘s Wildlife Crime Investigation Unit to travel quicker to monitor wildlife crime incidences through protected areas and attend to them.

AWF Executive Director Suudi Bamulesewa handed the bikes over to Dr Panta Kasoma who was recently flanked by UWA ‘s Sam Mwandha and top representatives of the Uganda Museum board.

On behalf of AWF, Bamulesewa pledged to continue to support the conservation efforts and was pleased to be associated with UWA in fulfilling their conservation mandate.

“We will continue to help all efforts aimed at making biodiversity in this country thrive,” he announced.

UWA ED Sam Mwandha appreciated the great partnership and the fantastic work that AWF has done to encourage wildlife protection in the country, particularly during the COVID 19 crisis.

This contribution will help UWA workers to better secure national parks and frustrate the people in the protected areas when they do poaching, “he said.

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) also handed over 100 single-man heavy-duty tents to Uganda last month, 300 steel-reinforced gumboots, 300 safari sleeping pads, 300 metal water bottles, 400 small-size hand sanitizers, and 2000 masks.

Due to the current danger of COVID 19, the tents are a great help, as the donated single man tents are not shareable. This will help reduce the risk of disease transmission during prolonged overnight patrols where for days rangers are camping in the wild.