The Committee on Trade, Tourism and Industry has received the Budget Framework Paper (BFP) for the tourism sector for the Financial Year 2026/2027.
Appearing before the committee, the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra, disclosed that the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is seeking Shs10 billion to procure a helicopter to support animal surveillance, wildlife census and rescue operations.
Hon. Mugarra noted that the aerial capability would enhance UWA’s response to poaching, improve monitoring of wildlife populations, and strengthen emergency rescue efforts across protected areas.
Also on the committee, Dorcus Rukundo Twesigomwe, Business Development Manager at UWA, clarified that the UGX10 billion allocation is strictly for the purchase of the helicopter and does not cover maintenance.
“The members were asking, this helicopter at UGX10 billion, does it include maintenance? This UGX10 billion does not include maintenance. We are hoping that we are going to procure a brand-new helicopter and therefore maintenance will come slightly later,” Rukundo told MPs.
She explained that the helicopter would significantly strengthen UWA’s operational capacity, particularly in monitoring protected areas and responding swiftly to wildlife emergencies.
“This helicopter will be used for surveillance of our protected areas, it helps us to do patrols and then also rescue,” she added.
