UGANDA PARTICIPES AT THE 15TH MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP15) TO THE CONVENTION ON MIGRATORY SPECIES (CMS) IN BRAZIL: SCORES BIG
CAMPO GRANDE, BRAZIL – Uganda has emerged from the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) with a significantly bolstered international profile; securing two high-level leadership positions in governance of the global population of migratory wildlife species.
The Ugandan delegation effectively represented the nation’s interests during the week-long summit held in Campo Grande, Brazil, from March 23 to 29, 2026. The delegation composed of Mr. George Owoyesigire – Ag. Commissioner Wildlife Conservation ( Head of delegation), Mr. Stephen Fred Okiror -Senior Wildlife Officer, Mr. Micheal Mutebi – Wildlife Officer from the Ministry, Dr. Caroline Asiimwe – Assistant Commissioner – Research and Ecological Monitoring, Mr. Richard Muhabwe – Chief Warden, Mr. Isiah Bwire – Chief Warden from Uganda Wildlife Authority and Mr. Robert Baluku – Principal Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College.
In a landmark development for regional diplomacy, Uganda was officially nominated and elected to represent the Eastern Africa Region on the CMS Standing Committee (SC) for the upcoming 2026-2029 triennium, a position previously held by the Republic of Kenya.
The Standing Committee is the executive body of the Convention, responsible for providing policy guidance and operational oversight between COP sessions and at the COP. By holding this seat, Uganda will now serve as the primary voice for East African nations, ensuring that regional conservation challenges such as the protection of the African-Eurasian Flyway, management of transboundary freshwater ecosystems and Indigenous people and Local Communities remain at the forefront of the global agenda.
Further solidifying its influence, Uganda was also nominated to represent the African continent on the Budget Subcommittee. This specialized body is tasked with the critical oversight of the Convention’s financial resources, including the allocation of core funding and the mobilization of resources for conservation projects in developing nations.
“These nominations are a testament to Uganda’s growing leadership in wildlife conservation and our commitment to science-based conservation,” said a Ugandan delegate. “Our presence on the Standing Committee and the Budget Subcommittee ensures that the voices of Range States in the Global South are not only heard but are central to the financial and strategic decisions of the Convention.”
Throughout the COP, the Ugandan delegation was a vocal advocate for the conservation of migratory wild animal species through presentation of model intervention for Human-Carnivore co-existence during the Side event organized by the Africa Carnivore Initiative and presentation of the Report on the Implementation the Concerted Action for the Straw-Colored fruit bat (Eidolon Helvum).
As Uganda assumes these roles for the next three years, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities reaffirms its dedication to protecting the migratory pathways that cross our borders. From the iconic mountain gorillas of the Albertine Rift, the roaring lions of the savannah to the migratory birds of our RAMSAR sites, Uganda’s new leadership positions will provide a powerful platform to secure international support and funding for Africa’s unparalleled biodiversity.
