The Five Domains Model, developed by David Mellor and Christopher Reid in 1994, is a scientific framework to systematically evaluate animal welfare — going beyond preventing suffering to ensure animals have a life worth living.
Read MoreIn May 2026, AWAU carried out one of the most significant animal rescue operations in Uganda's history — 52 dogs and 6 cats pulled from a criminal dog scam network in Mityana.
Read MoreUnverified 'shelters' that rely entirely on foreign donations are not sustainable — and when the money stops, the animals are the ones who suffer. Here's how to redirect your compassion toward lasting solutions.
Read MoreAn American was told a 'sanctuary' in Iganga needed $1000 to register as a business. Here's what registering a business in Uganda actually costs — and why that request is a major red flag.
Read MoreA growing number of social media accounts from Uganda stage animal suffering to generate donations. Here's how the scam operates, the warning signs, and a verification checklist before you give.
Read MoreA firsthand account of being scammed by a Ugandan 'shelter' operator online — from the first friendly comment to the GoFundMe campaign, and the moment the truth came out.
Read MoreUganda now has more social media accounts scamming donors using staged animal suffering than any other country in the world. Here's how to recognize the pattern and what's being done to stop it.
Read MoreYou were not scammed because you were naive — you were scammed because you care. Here's how to process the shame, and redirect your compassion toward organizations that earn your trust.
Read MoreA clear, practical 10-step plan for anyone who has discovered they were scammed by someone posing as an animal rescue or shelter.
Read MoreWhen your goal is lasting, measurable impact, your money will almost always go further supporting a community-based project rather than one individual rescuer working alone. Here's why.
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