National Forestry Authority And Uganda Wildlife Education Centre Collaborate To Establish Mbale’s Spectacular Satellite Zoo

Posted by: lukwago J in Tourism Uganda May 23, 2024

In a remarkable stride towards conservation and tourism development, the National Forestry Authority (NFA) has partnered with the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) to establish a satellite zoo within Mbale forest reserve.

This monumental initiative aims to mirror the esteemed facility in Entebbe and bring wildlife closer to the eastern region.

Under the official handover ceremony, presided over by NFA’s Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Eng Dr Christopher Ebal, the stage is set for this groundbreaking endeavor.

With a strategic location in Mbale City and the availability of land, this project emphasizes sustainability and the responsible management of the forest.

The collaboration between National Forestry Authority and UWEC, facilitated by a memorandum of understanding, seeks to boost tourism in the region while raising awareness about biodiversity conservation and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

This visionary project aspires to create an educational and recreational hub for residents across the eastern region, eliminating the need for extensive travel to Entebbe.

Preparations for the project are already underway, pending the acquisition of funding. The planned satellite zoo will feature a diverse array of animals, including the rare presence of lions in the Eastern region, alongside antelopes, reptiles, birds, and more.

Karim Masaba praised the initiative

Moreover, it aims to conserve the revered black and white colobus monkey, integral to the Elgon region’s cultural heritage.

Local leaders, including Mbale Industrial Division Member of Parliament Karim Masaba, have praised this initiative for its potential to alleviate the financial burden on parents traveling to Entebbe for educational tours and its economic benefits.

The establishment of this regional wildlife center aligns with the government’s broader conservation policy, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Uganda’s rich biodiversity.

With plans to commence construction in July, the project envisions a vibrant complex comprising boundary walls, an education center, offices, and exhibits for the animals.

This visionary venture not only promises to create jobs and improve community livelihood but also harnesses cultural heritage to promote conservation and tourism, benefiting stakeholders such as UWEC, NFA, Mbale City, and the Bugisu cultural institution.

As Uganda’s tourism industry continues to flourish, with tourism revenue reaching $1 billion in 2023, this ambitious undertaking in Mbale signifies another step towards sustainable growth, environmental preservation, and showcasing the nation’s natural wonders.

Stay tuned as Mbale embraces its own spectacular wildlife center, shaping a brighter future for conservation, education, and tourism in the region.

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