there is NO I re pete NO ban on hunting in Uganda. this was a misunderstanding from one poorly worded letter to the safari operators in Uganda. one person in Uganda apparently flew off the handle and reported hunting closed.IT IS NOT CLOSED AND IS NOT GOING TO CLOSE. There have been some misrepresentation of a few other thing to. I was just on the phone with people who are there hunting at this time. I will have a full report in two or there days when Philip A one of our AR members gets back from the bush

Hook is correct. There is NO ban on hunting in Uganda. I too spoke with folks on the ground there yesterday. All that are going soon will be OK!

It is now available to anyone, just "google" The Hunting Report



Uganda Announces Suspension Of Sport Hunting

(posted August 02, 2010)

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has suspended sport hunting in Uganda until further notice. The agency distributed a letter to safari operators some time last week informing them that "sport hunting is suspended with immediate effect save for any clients who may already be in Uganda and on safari." The letter is signed by UWA Executive Director Moses Mapesa. After acquiring a copy of the letter, Hunting Report Editor Barbara Crown called the UWA to confirm the information and was told the suspension is in effect and is nationwide.

Crown immediately contacted several safari operators, all of whom confirmed receiving such a letter or hearing about it. Some of them were actually in the field conducting safaris and had not been to their offices to follow up with UWA. The letter has raised more questions among operators than it has provided answers. Operators specifically question whether a blanket suspension can be issued in the middle of the hunting season and in spite of their contracts. They pointed out that a new Board of Trustees has been installed and may not be aware of the far-reaching complications of a suspension in the middle of the safari season.

The reasons for the suspension mentioned in the letter include concerns about illegal hunting, the need for an agreed upon scientific criteria for quota setting and "equitable benefit sharing from the sport hunting activity." However, when Crown spoke with a UWA representative, he insisted the only reason was the need for a better method to set quotas. The letter also said that a number of concerns had been raised by the public and stakeholders in the wildlife and tourism sector about sport hunting, causing the Board of Trustees of UWA to examine the matter and resolve that sport hunting be temporarily suspended. The official that Crown spoke with could not say when the suspension might be lifted.

Where does this leave hunters booked to Uganda? Operators urged that no one take any drastic actions in their hunting plans until they've had the chance to address the situation with the UWA. They all promised an update within the next week or so. Here at The Hunting Report, our advice right now is to stay in close contact with your operator if you are supposed to hunt in Uganda in the very near future and be prepared for a change of plans. Those booked farther out on the calendar should hold off on changing any plans for now. Let's see what safari operators are able to work out. Look for an update from The Hunting Report soon. - Barbara Crown, Editor

To all.

There is a bit of a power struggle taking place between the executive director of UWA and the Board of Trustees. The letter was sent and several of us have seen copies of it.

To Barbara's defense...I am sure she got confirmation that the letter was sent from UWA. I do not doubt her one bit. She is trying to be right on top of things...to her credit.

However...UWA is new to this hunting game. Things get said that shouldn't and they are still working things out. I received an SMS a few minutes ago from a major player in the hunting industry in Uganda. It said he just got off of the phone with UWA and there is NO ban or suspension. This person will be in Kampala tomorrow to speak directly with the executive director. If anything changes...I PROMISE to get it out good or bad. But right now...UWA has denied a ban or suspension.

I just got the same info as Lane,
Babara did report what she was assured was the truth from individual. but we who have been there knows this is africa and things change quickly. IMHO this will all work out the government of Uganda has worked to hard and are to invested in the public relations and economic benefits of sports hunting to just stop now. I was in several meeting with some people while I was there it all looked good then and I think once the growing pains pass all will be good

Just got word from Uganda that Karamoja Wildlife & WDM Wildlife were definitely not affected at all in the ban/suspension issue. I think the same can be said for Bruce Martin's Company as well.

The letter was meant to be concession specific. There could potentially be a problem for certain concessions. Will know more in a day or 2.

that explains a lot of the confusion.Thanks Lane

now that make a little more since. with some of the other reports I have gotten. thanks Lane

So does the hunting report have their facts wrong or did they just not have or report all the facts? Facts of course being used very loosely at this point until we get a straight story from someone. If there is a power struggle I want to know specically over what and who all is involved. If it is quota issue is it country wide or area specific? What brought this about if it is the case? Sounds to me like infighting to get a bigger share of the wealth but we will see.

Also ban or suspension? From my point of view it dosnt make any difference the end result is the at least for the short run.

how much clearer can I state it NO BAN. as confirmed by Three ph's in Uganda. one concession has some sort of problem thats being worked out.

quote:

they just not have or report all the facts?

They did not have all the facts.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

they just not have or report all the facts?

They did not have all the facts.

But in Barbara's & THR's defence...UWA did not give them the correct facts.

I understand what you said I am just wondering what is actually going on since no one has the whole story.

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Smith:
I understand what you said I am just wondering what is actually going on since no one has the whole story.

I will ge the "whole story" out just as soon as someone actually knows the whole story.

Apparently...a specific concession in Uganda has some allegations against it for some illegal hunting. UWA decided to suspend hunting there until all was investigated. A letter was sent to specific outfitter who circulated it. From the letter...it was unclear which concession has been suspended...hence the confusion when it was circulated. To top things off...the UWA Executive director and the Board of Trustees were not in agreement on how to handle the allegations. The to furhter confuse things...when THR called UWA and asked if there was a suspension...they just said yes...I am guessing here as Barbara told me UWA confirmed it with her.

The owners of WDM Wildlife...the folks who have all of the Karamoja...have received a letter saying the suspension was not involving them and apparently Bruce Martin has received a similar letter. There are 3 other operations in which I cannot comment on at this time.

Now it makes a lot more sense.
thanks

YA what Lane said,
Uwa will post a clarification on there wed site in a few days. I was contacted by Karamoja safari's this am. and I will have an email fun then some time today I will post it.

This is correct. UWA will post the clarification on it website soon.

OK...100% guaranteed...NO Ban/suspension on hunting in the Karamoja. Bruce Martin holdings OK too I believe. There are some localized temporary suspensions that I still don't have exact clarification on taking place however.

The Area I have connection too...Karamoja...Karamoja Wildlife Co. & WDM Wildlife Co....are business as usual!

Again...UWA should have the exact nature of the suspensions on there website soon. Anyone that I can help with concerns...my e-mail is ledvm@msn.com

ditto what Lane said.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
Again...UWA should have the exact nature of the suspensions on there website soon. Anyone that I can help with concerns...my e-mail is ledvm@msn.com

From a friend in Uganda:

Hi Lane,


I had a meeting yesterday at UWA, they are fully aware of the confusion caused by the recent letter regarding temporary suspension of sport hunting and they will post a clarification on their website (http://www.ugandawildlife.org/).

Meanwhile, here is the update on the situation after official clarification letters received by some operators, including myself, and several discussions with UWA officials and other operators:

- The temporary suspension was only intended to affect some agreements that the Board of Trustees wants to review.

- The following concessions/operators are clear to continue operations as normal:

Lake Albert Safaris (Kabwoya, Ssese Islands)
Game Trails in Lake Mburo
Karamojo Safari in Matheniko-Bokora, Iriri, and Karenga in Central and North Karamoja.

are you guy's completly sure, steve had nothing to do with it

peter

ya he did but were not talking because we like doing what he did toooooooooo without a doubt Uganda is the best place I have been in africa.

More On The Suspension of Sporthunting In Uganda

(posted August 06, 2010)

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is issuing a clarification on its announcement that sporthunting throughout the country is being suspended. According to on-the-ground sources, the suspension has been narrowed to specific concessions. Safaris on other concessions will continue without interruption.

You'll recall we told you about a letter issued to operators by the executive director of the UWA announcing an immediate suspension of sporthunting throughout Uganda, except for current safaris. It seems our bulletin stirred up a wave of panicked inquiries from hunters. Safari operators went to the UWA in protest, requesting clarification. According to a source we trust, the UWA is about to issue an official statement clarifying what areas are affected by the suspension. Also, we are told that safari hunting will continue on the following: Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, East Madi and Sesse Islands concessions operated by Lake Albert Safaris; Lake Mburo concession operated by Game Trials; and Matheniko-Bokora, Iriri and Karenga in central and north Karamoja operated by Karamojo Safari.

A number of other agreements, however, are currently under review, specifically: Ajai and Kafu concessions operated by Uganda Wildlife Safaris; Pian-Upe and Amudat in South Karamoja operated by Karimojong Overland Safaris; and the Katonga concession operated by Game Trails. If you are booked for hunts in the near future in any of these concessions, check in with your operator right away. We understand that UWA is endeavoring to make the revision process as speedy as possible. Except for imminent safaris, cancellations or postponements may not be necessary right now - unless your operator tells you otherwise. Issues may be resolved in time for your hunt to be conducted. Look for more information in the upcoming September issue of The Hunting Report. - Barbara Crown, Editor

quote:

Originally posted by Kathi:
More On The Suspension of Sporthunting In Uganda

(posted August 06, 2010)

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is issuing a clarification on its announcement that sporthunting throughout the country is being suspended. According to on-the-ground sources, the suspension has been narrowed to specific concessions. Safaris on other concessions will continue without interruption.

You'll recall we told you about a letter issued to operators by the executive director of the UWA announcing an immediate suspension of sporthunting throughout Uganda, except for current safaris. It seems our bulletin stirred up a wave of panicked inquiries from hunters. Safari operators went to the UWA in protest, requesting clarification. According to a source we trust, the UWA is about to issue an official statement clarifying what areas are affected by the suspension. Also, we are told that safari hunting will continue on the following: Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve, East Madi and Sesse Islands concessions operated by Lake Albert Safaris; Lake Mburo concession operated by Game Trials; and Matheniko-Bokora, Iriri and Karenga in central and north Karamoja operated by Karamojo Safari.

A number of other agreements, however, are currently under review, specifically: Ajai and Kafu concessions operated by Uganda Wildlife Safaris; Pian-Upe and Amudat in South Karamoja operated by Karimojong Overland Safaris; and the Katonga concession operated by Game Trails. If you are booked for hunts in the near future in any of these concessions, check in with your operator right away. We understand that UWA is endeavoring to make the revision process as speedy as possible. Except for imminent safaris, cancellations or postponements may not be necessary right now - unless your operator tells you otherwise. Issues may be resolved in time for your hunt to be conducted. Look for more information in the upcoming September issue of The Hunting Report. - Barbara Crown, Editor

UWA Crisis - a War of Money And Power
Chris Obore
14 August 2010


A struggle over money deals and authority have created territorial wars igniting a management crisis at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). According to our investigations, the new board of trustees is stamping its authority on the management of UWA financial contracts but they have met resistance from the authority's senior managers who have reportedly argued that the rules must be followed.

The insistence of the new board that the already-concluded bids be re-advertised and ongoing contracts be terminated, has been seen as an attempt by the board members to interfere in UWA's revenue flow.

The resultant rift over who should run the show at UWA has pitted the suspended UWA executive director Moses Mapesa and his managers against the board chairman Boysier Muballe.

The rift was triggered by Mr Mapesa's alleged refusal to endorse the increment of allowances for the new board members. According to electronic and postal mails exchanged between the two, copies of which Saturday Monitor has obtained, the Muballe versus Mapesa battle lines were drawn after the duo also failed to agree on contracts to be cancelled and the board's alleged interference in the day-to-day operations of the wildlife body.

Cancellation of contracts

The first letter which triggered the flow of bad blood was written on July 8 by Mr Muballe instructing Mr Mapesa to suspend all new concessions, contracts and memorandums of understanding between UWA and service providers.

"This is also to instruct you to suspend the issuing of sport hunting permits in all protected areas...," reads the letter, adding, "Please initiate the process of terminating the following concessions between (1) UWA and Game Trails in respect of Katonga Wildlife Reserve and (2) Uganda Wildlife Safaris and UWA in respect to Ajai Wildlife Reserve."

Mr Mapesa wrote back saying he was ready to implement the suspension of any new concessions. "...only that for contracts and MoUs, it may be useful to consider letting management continue to execute those that are operational in nature lest we get stuck e.g. staff contracts, vehicles repairs, cleaning services, supplies etc," he wrote.

And Mr Muballe wrote saying the cleaning and vehicle maintenance services be stayed but the other contracts must be terminated. But on July 19, Mr Muballe again wrote to Mr Mapesa warning him about his alleged insubordination, gross misconduct and incompetence.

Among others, Mr Mapesa was accused of failure to implement the ministerial directive on board remunerations, failure to keep the board informed of business activities of the authority, mismanagement of funds and failure to implement board decisions.

Mr Mapesa wrote back saying: " I categorically deny all the allegations you have levelled against me as listed in your letter...of which you even went ahead to warn me without an investigation, a hearing and a Board resolution."

Sources say the two kept on exchanging arguments on phone until July 26 when Mr Mapesa wrote to Mr Muballe accusing him of usurping the powers of the chief executive officer at UWA.

The letter partly reads: "On July 7, 2010 you wrote to the Director Corporate Affairs terminating her services, personally delivered the letters to me and insisted that I sign on a copy of the termination letter acknowledging receipt.

"Out of courtesy I signed on the copy of the letter to acknowledge receipt but I did mention to you that I found that insistence strange.

"On July 9, you wrote to me demanding an explanation about a complaint you received from a candidate who had applied for an IT job. "On July 15, you raised me on phone indicating that a second person had been killed by an elephant north of Murchison and you informed me that you would visit the area the next day but also instructed me to station patrol vehicles every 25 kilometres.

"On July 20, you issued instructions to staff I supervise at UWA headquarters to start repairs of some road in Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area immediately. I only got to know through an email copied to me by staff.

"On July 21, you came over to UWA headquarters, found a scheduled senior management meeting and proceeded to address the staff that had assembled at 8:45 am in my absence," reads the letter.

Mr Mapesa said Mr Muballe's actions didn't show clarity of roles, responsibilities and functions between the board and senior management at UWA. Mr Mapesa also wrote to the Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry saying the staff were confused as to whose instructions to follow since the board chairman had directly issued instructions to them.


Before he got a response from the minister, an extra-ordinary board meeting was held on July 30 and resolved that Mr Mapesa be sent on leave.

On August 6, Mr Muballe suspended Mr Mapesa.

Political interests

Sources say the suspension of Mr Mapesa, his deputy Sam Mwandha and other top managers who had earlier been rated highly by previous boards and executive directors, pointed to the new board's alleged desire to get new contractors who would take care of their interests.

According to sources familiar with the ongoing saga, it was trouble in waiting at UWA after Tourism Minister Kahinda Otafiire appointed Dr Muballe to head the board.