This moment was years in the making. It was a breathtaking moment not just for him, but for all of us. Because this wasn’t just about a dart, or a collar. It was about how far we’ve come, and a result of years of committed partnerships through which wildlife veterinary capacity has grown tremendously.

For years, Uganda’s capacity to respond to wildlife emergencies has been stretched thin, with just a handful of wildlife vets, and most nearing retirement. The system was under strain. But today, thanks to focused efforts by UCF and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and under the leadership of UWA’s Executive Director, a new cohort of fully qualified and field-proven Ugandan vets is stepping up.

Dr. Crispus Singoma, Dr. Nancy Masia, and Dr. Rebecca Nakato have rescued countless animals in distress, responded to crisis after crisis, and steadily built the skill, confidence, and grit needed for the job. But this was the first time they were taking on elephants from the sky.

That kind of leap doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of belief, investment and mentorship. Over the years, these young vets have been shaped by the guidance of seasoned professionals in Uganda and across the region, including Kenya Wildlife Service's Dr. Matthew Mutinda, under whose expert leadership they are now operating in Kidepo.

Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa made a decisive and bold commitment, not only funding vet operations and purchasing a dedicated quick-response vehicle, but backing the kind of long-term work that matters to monitor, rescue, and ensure the recovery of injured elephants and other wildlife. In Murchison Falls National Park, their support is helping protect entire landscapes, building 24/7 capacity, and together we are laying the groundwork for scale.

Foundational investment from other partners like Olsen Animal Trust and Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust provided the tools, mobility, and training that enabled young vets like Dr. Crispus to train across East and Southern Africa, and grow into leaders, now at the forefront of Uganda’s wildlife response efforts.

This isn’t just about vets learning new techniques. It’s about young Ugandan professionals leading the way in protecting Uganda’s wildlife, taking ownership of Uganda’s conservation future. This week was a breakthrough, but not an end. Just the beginning of what’s possible when partners invest not just in projects, but in people.