Meet William Luwaga as he talks about protecting giraffes and wildlife in Pian Upe

Personal Background

I am from the Baganda tribe, a culture deeply connected to nature and rooted in the traditions of Uganda’s Lake Victoria basin. I was born into the Lion clan, known as "Mpologoma" in Luganda. Growing up, I was taught to respect and protect lions, which are powerful symbols for my clan. These values passed down through my grandparents’ stories, gave me a strong appreciation for conservation from an early age.

This passion led me to pursue a degree in Conservation Biology, where I developed a deep interest in understanding how different species interact within ecosystems. During my undergraduate studies, I interned at Murchison Falls National Park and worked closely with Dr. Hebert Kasozi on giraffe communication research. His mentorship and the hands-on experience I gained during this time strengthened my commitment to wildlife conservation.

Inspired by my work with Dr. Kasozi, I focused my master’s research on the effects of oil and gas mining on mammal populations in Murchison Falls National Park, with a special focus on the critically endangered Nubian giraffes. This experience deepened my dedication to protecting vulnerable species and laid the groundwork for my future career in conservation.

Professional Journey

Before joining Space for Giants as a Giraffe Monitoring Officer, I worked on several conservation projects in Uganda. Most recently, I led two research projects in Murchison Falls National Park. The first explored the effects of oil mining on mammal populations, while the second assessed the effectiveness of electric fences in reducing human-elephant conflicts along the park's northern boundary.

These projects strengthened my skills in data collection, wildlife monitoring, and habitat assessment. They also prepared me to work in remote and challenging environments, such as Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. Each experience has given me the knowledge and resilience needed to take on giraffe conservation with a well-rounded and practical approach.

Leading the Charge for Giraffes in Pian Upe

As part of the Space for Giants team, I lead giraffe monitoring efforts in Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve. My work involves creating detailed identification profiles for individual giraffes and documenting their population size, structure, and distribution patterns. Additionally, I collaborate with local communities to foster positive relationships with wildlife and raise awareness about giraffe conservation.

Through comprehensive data collection on giraffe behavior and habitat use, my team aims to develop a thorough understanding of the giraffe population in Pian Upe. This information will guide our conservation efforts and help ensure the long-term survival of these magnificent animals.

Ambitious Goals for Giraffe Conservation

My main goal is to build a complete profile of the giraffe population in Pian Upe, documenting their behaviors, movements, and challenges. Beyond collecting data, I hope to create a sustainable relationship between the local communities and the giraffes by promoting education and engagement around conservation. Ultimately, I aim to establish a thriving giraffe population in Pian Upe, ensuring they have a safe and secure habitat for generations to come.

Vision for Impact

I see my role as part of a larger effort to protect giraffe populations across Africa. Every step we take in Pian Upe helps us address the global decline of giraffes. By developing a model for effective, community-supported conservation, I hope to create a blueprint that can be used in other regions. I also envision this work influencing policies that strengthen giraffe conservation across Uganda, showcasing the possibility of harmonious coexistence between people and wildlife.

A Collaborative Vision

Conservation is a team effort, and collaboration is essential to success. I believe protecting wildlife is just as much about working with people as it is about the animals themselves. At Space for Giants, I have the privilege of working with a talented team and local partners who bring unique skills and knowledge to our mission. By combining scientific research with the insights of local communities, we can create sustainable solutions for giraffe conservation. My role is to connect researchers, conservationists, and community members, ensuring that together we can achieve results that no single group could accomplish on its own.

A Personal Mission

For me, conservation is both a responsibility and a passion. Growing up in Uganda, I saw how quickly habitats could be threatened, which gave me a sense of urgency to act. Witnessing habitat loss firsthand and seeing the power of community involvement has only strengthened my commitment to this work.

Giraffes, with their unique beauty and vulnerability, remind me of nature’s grace and fragility. They inspire me to keep pushing for solutions that allow wildlife and people to thrive together. My vision is for a future where giraffes and other species have the space and safety to flourish alongside human communities.

Message to Our Supporters

As I embark on this journey with Space for Giants, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters. Your commitment to conservation makes this work possible. Thanks to your generosity, we can protect giraffes and other wildlife, ensuring they have a future in our shared landscapes.

I am honored to work on giraffe conservation in Pian Upe, collaborating with local communities and raising awareness about the importance of coexistence. With your continued support, I am confident we can create a brighter future where giraffes and other wildlife not only survive but thrive. Thank you for being an essential part of this mission. I look forward to sharing our progress with you as we move forward together.