Kampala, Uganda – Allegations of corruption and favoritism have emerged regarding the recruitment process for the next Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Critics are raising concerns about the lack of transparency and fairness in the ongoing process, warning that it could jeopardize decades of progress in wildlife conservation and management.
The position, currently held by Sam Mwandha, is set to be vacated on March 31, 2025. The UWA Board advertised the role on November 8, 2024, but irregularities in the recruitment criteria have raised red flags. Sources within the board revealed that traditional qualifications for the role have been altered to favor a specific candidate, including a Bachelor of Education in Biology and a postgraduate diploma in management—criteria not typically associated with leading an organization as complex as UWA.
Out of 27 applicants, only two candidates, James Musinguzi and Henry Mutabazi, were shortlisted. Critics argue that this limited selection undermines competition and deprives decision-makers of a meaningful range of options. Insiders have suggested that one candidate has been heavily favored while the other was included merely to create an illusion of fairness.
The situation has prompted calls from some board members to halt the recruitment process and re-advertise the position with broader criteria. They emphasize that any compromise on qualifications could reverse significant gains made in wildlife conservation efforts.