Dr. Andrew Ggunga Seguya has been appointed as the substantive executive director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

The Minister of Tourism, Maria Mutagamba made the appointment ending the long running uncertainty and confusion that reigned over UWA following the sacking of Dr. Moses Mapesa and scores of other directors in 2010.

Mapesa and his team were thrown out over allegations of impropriety. According to Mutagamba, the appointment of Seguya"s five year contract effective November 20th was based on his excellent performance during the job interviews as well as his efforts to turn UWA around during the time he served as acting executive director.

Dama Consultants, a human resource agency, carried out the interviews which attracted five candidates According to UWA"s statement, the Board of Trustees also made other appointments for senior positions in the organisation but did not disclose the names. Kahinda Otafiire the then Minister of Tourism appointed Seguya as acting executive director in December 2010 following the sacking of Mapesa. The shakeup was followed a series of probes.

Prior to his appointment, Seguya worked as executive director of Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) for five years. Before that, he worked with the Government of Botswana as senior veterinary officer. UWA manages 10 parks such as Bwindi impenetrable, Rwenzori Mountains, Mt. Elgon and Elizabeth National Parks, which have received international accolades.

UWA"s successful conservation efforts over the past years have led to Uganda having the largest population of mountain gorillas in the world.

The appointment of a substantive Executive Director will further enhance these achievements, according to UWA"s statement.