James Musinguzi is the executive director and chief executive officer of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre formerly known as the Entebbe Zoo. MORGAN MBABAZI | NMG
PROFILE: James Musinguzi is the executive director and chief executive officer of the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre formerly known as the Entebbe Zoo.
Born on July 27, 1977 in Kyegegwa district in Western Uganda, James Musinguzi says it was his love for biology that drew him into wildlife conservation.
“Biology, which is the study of life, exposed me to the numerous current environmental challenges. And that really skewed me to what I am doing today. This resulted from the foundation of science where we study living and non-living things,” he said.
On his professional achievement to date, Musinguzi says, “I have led this centre to prosperity including development of innovative tourism products and services to an extent that it is now the best zoo in East, West and Central Africa as ranked by the Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2015.”
His advice to young people interested in careers in wildlife conservation is: “He or she must have a passion for wildlife as a basis for a career in wildlife conservation. Our work is about passion, patience and empathy for wildlife. You must be able to put yourself in the position of the wild animal in order to care for it.”
Between 2002 to January 2006, he was an administrator in the Office of the Academic Registrar at Mbarara University of Science and Technology in western Uganda, where he lectured and researched on conservation biology.
He joined UWEC in March 2006 as an education officer, thereafter he was named manager in charge of environment conservation education. He took over as UWEC’s executive director/CEO in December 2010.
Musinguzi is the vice chairman of Pan African Association of Zoos and Aquariums and an ISO Certified trained auditor of PAAZA. He is also a committee member of the Conservation and Sustainability Committee of the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria and board member of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust in Uganda.
He holds a bachelor of science in education (biology) from Mbarara University of Science and Technology; an MBA from Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi; an MSc. in environment conservation biology from Mbarara University of Science and Technology; and a postgraduate diploma in development studies from Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Doing charity work or community service. As a member of the Lions Club, I am interested in seeing other people’s lives improve, especially those of the less fortunate in society.
What would you have been if you had not gone into wildlife conservation?
I would have been a science teacher because my first degree was a Bachelor of Science in Education. I would have been inculcating the value of science in young people and making them question why certain things in our environment happen the way they do. In other words, the inter-relationship between humans and the environment.
What signifies your personal style?
Easy and simple because I don’t want to complicate my life, which may eventually lead to stress. I prefer simple but smart pieces that match my position in society.
How do you manage your wardrobe?
My wardrobe is arranged in three compartments. Suits in the top section, shirts in the middle and trousers in the lowest compartment.
While in East Africa, where are you most likely to spend your Saturday afternoon?
At the Chobe Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park in northwestern Uganda. I love this lodge because it is located in a very pristine environment where you can enjoy the water, animals and plants. A combination of the three is amazingly relaxing.
Describe your best destination yet in East Africa?
I have travelled to all continents and Uganda is still the best country in terms of the weather, wildlife, culture and the people. Uganda is neither too hot nor too cold because it can rain and an hour or two later shine.
Do you have a must-visit list?
Yes, Zanzibar, because of its rich history and culture. I have been to Mombasa in Kenya, which was hot and I loved it. I rode in a tuk-tuk, enjoyed Fort Jesus and the beauty of the ocean.
I would also like to go back to Kidepo National Park in northeastern Uganda. It is pristine and an beautiful place teeming with wildlife and unique savannah landscape.
How do you unwind after a day’s work?
I jog or exercise at home and I occasionally go to the gym. Socially, I occasionally catch up with my friends at the Entebbe Golf Club.
Which is East Africa’s greatest strength?
I think it is the people. However, Uganda’s big disadvantage is the lack of the institutionalisation of Kiswahili. For example, if a Ugandan trader travelled to the other East African countries they should be able to transact business in Kiswahili. It is a big problem not to have a common language that unites the country.
What is your best collection?
Books and music. Whenever I travel abroad I make sure I buy some music and books especially on the history of the country I am visiting — I have an extensive home library. I also buy cultural artefacts and traditional wear from every place that I visit.
What’s the most thoughtful gift you’ve ever received?
My current employer surprised me with a gift rewarding my good performance. I was given a treadmill. I really appreciated that they thought of my fitness and happiness.
What’s the best gift you’ve given?
I donated 20 chairs to a church in my village in Kyegegwa district.
What is the most interesting book you have read recently?
I have read and loved How to Mine Your Own Acres of Diamonds authored by Earl Nightingale and edited by Dr Robert C. Worstell. This book talks about an African farmer who envied diamond traders and sold his land in order to find the precious stones and never got any. Instead, the person who bought the farmer’s land found diamonds in the land. In the end the farmer drowned himself in frustration.
The message in this story is that we often neglect what we have and go for what is far away. To many people, the grass always seems greener on the other side, yet they do not take time to work on what they already have.
Which film has impacted you the most?
I love the Queen of Katwe because the young female chess player Phiona Mutesi, on which the true story is based, is my heroine. Her incredible story will definitely inspire millions of children around the world.
What does not miss in your fridge?
Fresh passion fruit juice and occasionally a bottle of beer.
