Uganda Takes Flight for Raptor Conservation, Joins International Agreement and Launches National Strategy

Kampala, 19 March  2025 – In a significant move to safeguard its rich avian biodiversity, Uganda has officially become the 65^th Signatory to the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia (Raptors MOU). The signing ceremony, coinciding with the 25^th anniversary celebrations of Uganda's commitment to the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA), marks a pivotal step in the nation's conservation efforts.

Hon. Mugara Martin Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, formalized Uganda's participation in the Raptors MOU, emphasizing the critical role these birds play in the ecosystem. "Raptors are important ecological and environmental indicators," stated Hon. Minister Bahinduka. "They attract tourists and generate revenue, as well as providing other significant social, economic, and cultural benefits."

Recognizing the urgent need to address declining raptor populations, the Minister pledged the Ministry's unwavering commitment "to the development and implementation of a National Strategy that would enhance Raptors Conservation and Management in the coming months." He issued a strong call to action, urging stakeholders and partners to "join and support the Government in implementing targeted interventions aimed at halting the declining population of Raptors in Uganda and across their range."

Ms. Rouba Abou-Atieh, Executive Coordinator of the CMS Office – Abu Dhabi, lauded Uganda's proactive approach. "Uganda is an active Party to CMS, AEWA, and the Gorilla Agreement, and we are looking forward to working together to improve the conservation of African migratory birds of prey," she remarked.

The signing ceremony, attended by Mr. George Owoyesigire, Ag. Commissioner for Wildlife Conservation and CMS National Focal Point, and Mr. Aggrey Rwetsiba who represented the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority, was followed by a comprehensive National Workshop on Raptor Conservation in Uganda: Implementing the Raptors MOU. This workshop brought together ministry staff, protected area managers, academics, and Non-Governmental Organizations to develop a concrete roadmap for the National Raptor Conservation Strategy. The goal is to report significant progress on this strategy at the upcoming CMS COP15.

Uganda's diverse landscape is home to 91 raptor species, including 22 Palearctic migrants and 5 vulture species. With four internationally recognized Important Raptor Sites under full protection, the country plays a vital role in the conservation of migratory birds.

The Coordinating Unit of the Raptors MOU warmly welcomes Uganda's participation, noting that the agreement will officially enter into effect for the new signatory on 1^st April 2025.