The Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College (UWRTC) has urged students of Mbale Secondary School to consider careers in wildlife conservation, tourism and environmental management, as the country seeks to prepare a new generation of skilled professionals to support the sustainable management of its natural resources.
The call was made during a career guidance and awareness engagement with O-Level students at Mbale Secondary School on Wednesday, as part of UWRTC’s outreach activities in the Mbale Sub-region.
Addressing the students, UWRTC Communications Officer Ms. Muhindo Keren introduced them to the College and the diverse career pathways available in wildlife conservation, tourism and environmental management. She encouraged the students to begin thinking about their career choices early and recognise the role they can play in protecting Uganda’s wildlife and other natural resources.Protecting our environment is not only the responsibility of government agencies and conservation organisations. Each one of us has a role to play,” Ms. Muhindo told the students, emphasising the importance of young people becoming responsible stewards of Uganda’s natural heritage.
UWRTC Academic Registrar Mr. Tumusiime Bernard encouraged the students to look beyond academic qualifications and develop practical skills that can be applied to real challenges in their communities.He challenged them to identify problems around them and consider how education, innovation and practical skills could be used to develop solutions, highlighting the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in preparing young people for the world of work.
The engagement was also welcomed by the school administration. Deputy Headteacher Ms. Victoria Bagaya Bilaba commended UWRTC for reaching out to the students and providing them with information on career opportunities within the wildlife sector. Bagaya noted that such information is particularly useful because it helps students understand available career pathways and make informed choices early on, which can ultimately contribute to the growth and development of Uganda’s wildlife sector.
The engagement sought to broaden the students’ understanding of career opportunities beyond conventional professions, demonstrating how interests in wildlife, tourism and environmental management can translate into careers, employment, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Uganda’s wildlife and tourism resources play an important role in livelihoods and the national economy. However, challenges such as biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, human-wildlife conflict, and increasing pressure on natural resources continue to underscore the need for skilled professionals committed to conservation. For UWRTC, exposing students to these opportunities early helps build awareness of the importance of wildlife conservation and encourages young people to consider how their future careers can help solve environmental challenges. The outreach is part of UWRTC’s efforts to increase awareness of the College and expose young people to career pathways in wildlife conservation, tourism, and environmental management
