Our Projects: Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) - Waterways Project
DSWF supported since: 1998
The problems faced by Uganda's elephants, and other wildlife, are the same across Africa and Asia including increased competition for subsistence land with neighbouring human populations. In a one-on-one confrontation elephants usually win - unless the human owns a firearm, or has access to poison or snares, which is increasingly the case. The first partnership project between UCF and DSWF was the funding of research into the movement of villagers and elephants through the Ishasha River region, which marks the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo from where elephants are retreating due to the current crisis in the country. With increased poaching, elephants were becoming more nervous and aggressive and conflict with the growing human population was increasing. The project funded working with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and local communities to specifically address and reduce human/elephant conflict.
DSWF funds are focused on providing vital support to anti-poaching patrols, through the provision of radios, vehicle maintenance, bicycles, mosquito nets and tents. Most recently this has led to the first Waterways Project with the building of boat stations at key locations which can only be accessed by waterborne patrols. Supplying lightweight manoeuvrable boats and training for staff, has meant that patrols are now able to reach and cover inaccessible places more quickly in their fight against poaching and illegal trade in ivory and bush meat. The boats also help curb illegal fishing and are available for use by isolated communities in times of emergency rescue which is already proving invaluable in saving lives.
