By Obed Kithende
More than 1,185 youth turned up for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) game ranger recruitment exercise at the UWA headquarters in Katunguru, Rubirizi District.
Applicants were first subjected to a 5-kilometre run before proceeding for medical check-ups as part of the screening process.
Frederick Kisame Eria, the Chief Warden for Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area, said UWA is looking to recruit only 140 successful candidates from the exercise. He explained that the nationwide recruitment aims to address understaffing across UWA stations.
He noted that poaching remains a major challenge but expressed confidence that increased manpower will help curb the vice. He also warned communities against engaging in poaching, emphasizing the importance of national parks to the country’s development.
He added that two male applicants who collapsed after the run were referred for medical attention and are recovering well.
Kenneth Obigaba Bigezikyi, a member of the UWA Board of Trustees and the Human Resource Committee, said applicants came from districts including Kasese, Bunyangabu, Fort Portal, Bunyaruguru, Rukungiri, and Kanungu.
Some participants, including Clovice Tumwine from Fort Portal and Easter Katusabe Atooki, who completed the 5km race, also described the exercise as free and fair.
