The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWEC) is a significant conservation and education facility dedicated to the protection of Uganda’s wildlife and ecosystems. Originally founded to care for confiscated and injured animals, the center has grown into a vital facility for wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, breeding, and public awareness. Located in Entebbe, it operates as a sanctuary for rescued wildlife, an educational center, and a breeding centre for endangered species.
UWEC’s mandate revolves around wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and the provision of veterinary care for injured or sick animals. The center’s veterinary team conducts thorough examinations, runs diagnostic tests, and monitors the health of the animals to ensure they remain disease-free. Some animals require long-term care and rehabilitation before they can be released back into the wild or integrated into the center’s exhibits. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, UWEC maintains a dedicated quarantine area for incoming wildlife, ensuring that both quarantined and exhibited animals remain healthy.
The center is also committed to species recovery efforts by participating in breeding programs for animals at risk of extinction. These programs aim to build healthy and genetically diverse captive populations as a backup for endangered species, ensuring their long-term survival. The breeding process is carefully managed to avoid inbreeding and to maintain genetic variation.
UWEC actively engages in conservation projects that promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Through the “Biodiversity is Us” campaign, the center collaborates with the World Association of Zoos and Aquarium (WAZA) to raise public awareness about wildlife conservation and the importance of peaceful coexistence with other life forms. Another major project involves the restoration of wetlands at Makanaga, which is a crucial habitat for the rare shoebill stork. This initiative addresses threats to the stork, such as the pet trade, habitat loss, and egg poaching.
The center also supports ostrich breeding near Kidepo Valley National Park, aiming to reduce wildlife encroachment and improve local livelihoods through sustainable ostrich farming. Additionally, UWEC develops educational programs for Uganda’s national parks, raising awareness about conservation issues like the bushmeat crisis in Murchison Falls Conservation Area and supporting efforts in Lake Mburo National Park. By organizing educational trips and interpretive talks, UWEC seeks to inspire children to become responsible environmental stewards.