Motherwell star explains swapping Premiership for Ugandan safari this summer after committing to WildAid cause

Bevis Mugabi is keen to help out in his native Uganda - which is why the Motherwell defender will swap tussling with Premiership strikers for an African safari this summer.

The Ugandan international has signed up to be an ambassador with WildAid and will help them in promoting their cause via social media.

WildAid is an international wildlife conservation charity that focuses on mass media campaigns to help protect wildlife, like elephants, rhinos and lions, plus those that are threatened by illegal trade.

Many wildlife conservation groups focus on scientific studies and anti-poaching efforts, but WildAid works to reduce global consumption of wildlife products and increase conservation support on a local level.

It has partners and ambassadors across the world - including David Beckham Leonardo Di Caprio, Prince William and others - with Motherwell's centre-back is the latest they've called upon.

Mugabi explained. "It came through a couple of months. It happened because the football federation in Uganda messaged me to ask if I would like to become a part of the WildAid campaign.

"They wanted me to become an ambassador for the campaign. I want to help and any way I can do that, I am more than willing to do so. It all came through my national team as that's how I was asked to be a part of it. "It's something I have always been interested in, to a certain degree. I have always wanted to start giving back to Uganda itself and seeing how I can help things. "I want to help, so this feels like one of many steps I can take to hopefully go on to make a small difference."

It's a cause Mugabi knows needs as much help as it can get. According to research, around 1,000 mountain gorillas remain on the planet, and Uganda is home to