Wetland Life Conservation Initiative
Region
Africa
Country
Uganda
Flyway
East Africa – Central Asia flyway
Initiative
WLI Africa
About
Name of organisation
Wetland Life Conservation Initiative (WLCI)
Funding support
Donations and grants
Number of staff
11
Number of visitors per year
<50
Overall aims of the centre
Wetland Life conservation Initiative is a Community Based Organisation whose mission is to restore and conserve the 600ha of wetlands around Lake Mutanda, by raising community awareness and promoting sustainable practices and livelihoods that safeguard wetland resources.
Description of the centre
600ha of papyrus wetlands around a 29 sqkm high-altitude lake. Papyrus and reed wetlands supporting 223 species of bird, notably Ross’ Turaco and Grey Crowned Crane, and Spotted Neck Otter. Guided Bird watching and lake boat tours, zipline activity, Conservation volunteering, crane recording by stakeholders using smart phone logging app., around Lake Mutanda, Kisoro District, Uganda.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work area
Conservation sensitization in 3 local primary schools, stocking school libraries, Coordination with local village and district leaders. Setting up Wetland Management Committees. Working in collaboration with International Crane Foundation.
Top three successes
- Agreeing an MoU with International Crane Foundation.
- Enlisting local fishermen as data loggers for Crane sightings
- Obtaining wide support from all Kisoro District leaders (LC1 to LC5, GISO etc.) during WLCI field meetings in July 2026.
Top three challenges
- Funding
- Existing levels of long-standing, farming bad-practice
- Poaching of Grey Crowned Crane and Otters
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage / site information; Producing written materials; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Participation
Engaging hard-to-reach groups; Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Early years education; Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; PR and marketing; Fund-raising; Project planning.
Contact
Name: Sandra Gray (Founder, Uganda)
Address: Wetland Life Conservation Initiative, Gikoro Village, Chihe Parish, Nyakinama Sub-county, Kisoro District, Uganda.
E-mail: Use Contact Section on: https://www.wlci-uganda.org/
Name: Phillip Rogers
Address: London, UK
E-mail: Use Contact Section on: https://www.wlci-uganda.org/
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