KAMPALA – A recent recruitment drive by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for six Veterinary Officer positions has raised eyebrows after it emerged that only a single candidate was shortlisted and subsequently appointed from a pool of over sixty applicants, despite not fully meeting the advertised mandatory requirements.
The positions were advertised in June 2025, with a clear application deadline of June 20. The advert, which was widely publicized, listed several mandatory qualifications, including the possession of a degree certificate and a Uganda Veterinary Board (UVB) license, essential for practicing veterinary medicine in the country.
Sources close to the process have revealed that while over sixty qualified individuals applied, the subsequent shortlist published in July contained only one name: Mr. Gamwanga Horebb. This lone candidate was interviewed on July 31, 2025, and was later appointed to one of the six vacant positions.
This has caused confusion and concern among other applicants, particularly experienced volunteers already working within UWA’s national parks. Many had applied for the roles, hoping to transition from voluntary service to formal employment.
Further scrutiny of the appointed candidate’s credentials indicates a potential discrepancy with the job’s mandatory requirements. While Mr. Horebb is a recent graduate, having completed his studies last year, it is reported that he presented an academic transcript but did not yet possess the official degree certificate or the critical UVB license at the time of the application and interview.
The decision to shortlist only one candidate for multiple vacancies and the apparent waiver of key mandatory requirements have led to questions about the transparency and fairness of UWA’s recruitment process. Applicants and observers are calling for clarity on the criteria used for shortlisting and whether any exceptions to the stated mandatory requirements were formally justified.
When reached for comment, a UWA public relations official stated that the Authority’s “recruitment processes are always conducted with the highest level of integrity and in strict adherence to established guidelines.” They declined to comment on the specifics of an individual’s application, citing confidentiality, but confirmed that “all appointments are made based on merit and full compliance with the set conditions.”
Stakeholders are urging UWA to provide a more detailed explanation to maintain public trust and ensure that recruitment for critical roles in wildlife conservation remains competitive and merit-based.
The status of the remaining five Veterinary Officer vacancies remains unclear.
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