A group of 170 former employees at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Uganda has issued a formal notice to sue the facility’s operators and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). The legal action, led by former ranch manager David Krispo Bakeine, seeks Shs1.5 billion in damages for wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages, and alleged administrative misconduct. According to the Nile Post, the workers argue that the sanctuary and the UWA engaged in a coordinated effort to destabilize operations, resulting in the loss of specialized conservation jobs.
The lawsuit targets Ziwa Ranchers Limited, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Limited, and the UWA. The workers’ lawyers, M/S Bwagi and Company Advocates, state that Bakeine was contractually entitled to a monthly gross salary of Shs4 million under an agreement dated January 18, 2021. Instead, he received a monthly allowance of Shs100,000 for the first six months. The legal notice claims that management communicated via WhatsApp and backdoor meetings that they would repudiate the salary clause. The group describes the environment as hostile, alleging that Bakeine was arrested, incarcerated, and contracted typhoid before being forced to resign under duress. The lawyers argue this constitutes constructive dismissal under the Employment Act of 2006.
Beyond individual grievances, the notice outlines broader operational failures. The workers allege that in 2008, Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch Limited acquired parallel user rights to land originally leased to Rhino Fund Uganda (RFU) in 2002. They claim this created conflicting rights and led to physical blockades and security intimidation that destroyed the livelihoods of over 170 staff members. The workers further accuse the UWA of misfeasance in public office for failing to implement a presidential directive to establish a nine-member National Rhino Management Committee. They also allege that the UWA improperly planned rhino translocations to unsuitable habitats like Ajai Game Reserve and Kidepo Valley National Park without required risk assessments.
The legal filing demands a forensic audit by the Auditor General and the Inspectorate of Government to assess financial losses caused by the halt in eco-tourism revenue. The workers seek Shs356 million in special damages for notice pay, severance, and unpaid NSSF contributions. Additionally, they demand Shs976 million for Bakeine’s termination and terminal benefits for all affected staff. The lawyers stated that the impending court case could be halted if these payments are made within 45 days of the notice.