By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has recovered more than Shs15.6 billion from concessionaires while strengthening revenue collection systems, a development that is improving transparency and financial sustainability.
Under a series of ongoing reforms, the authority has tightened financial controls, digitized payments and improved accountability in the management of tourism-related income.
According to the available relevant literature which Mulengera News has reviewed, UWA has automated and digitized its payment platforms, enabling visitors and service users to access services online without physically visiting offices.
Tourists seeking permits, including gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits, can now generate invoices electronically, make payments online and receive permits directly through email systems.
Sources indicate that the digitization programme has been implemented across UWA’s conservation network, allowing the institution to monitor financial transactions in real time.
The integration of banking systems with UWA’s internal platforms has improved daily reconciliation of payments and enhanced transparency in revenue collection, according to information obtained by this publication.
Sources further reveal that the reforms have significantly helped the institution address fraud-related challenges that previously affected financial management.
As a result, the authority’s income has continued to register steady growth.
A major area of financial improvement has been the recovery of money owed by concessionaires operating tourism facilities and lodges in national parks.
According to sources familiar with the matter, concession-related arrears stood at approximately Shs18 billion by the end of the financial year. UWA has since recovered Shs15.6 billion, leaving an outstanding balance of only Shs2.4 billion.
The remaining balance is still being pursued through debt recovery efforts after the authority engaged debt collectors to improve collection efficiency.
To prevent future revenue leakages, UWA has strengthened oversight systems by deploying staff to supervise concession agreements, monitor concessionaires and track payments due to the authority.
The financial reforms come at a time when tourism remains one of Uganda’s priority sectors under the country’s economic development agenda.
As the institution responsible for managing nearly 10 percent of Uganda’s land area, UWA depends significantly on internally generated revenue to fund wildlife conservation, ranger welfare, anti-poaching activities and infrastructure development within protected areas.
Analysts observe that stronger financial discipline at the authority could improve conservation outcomes by ensuring resources are available for modern surveillance technology, staff welfare and improved tourism infrastructure.
The recovery of billions in concession revenue and the shift toward digital systems signal an institution increasingly focused on financial accountability while strengthening conservation efforts and tourism growth.
This version keeps the investigative-news style while using “according to sources” and similar attribution phrases instead of naming any individual. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
