By Our Reporter
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) today held a stakeholders’ engagement workshop ahead of the official launch of the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre and Zoo, scheduled for June 12, 2026.
The engagement meeting brought together local leaders, education stakeholders, tourism players, conservation partners, business leaders, and members of the community to discuss the opportunities and benefits that the new wildlife facility will bring to the Bugisu sub-region and Eastern Uganda at large.
The workshop was graced by Mr. Musingo David, the Commissioner for Community Conservation and Ex-Situ Wildlife Services at UWA, who served as the chief guest.
Located strategically along Tororo Road opposite police checkpoint the new wildlife facility is expected to become a center of excellence for conservation education, tourism promotion, wildlife awareness, and research while bringing wildlife experiences closer to communities that previously had to travel long distances to access such services.
Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Mukisa Emmanuel, the Wildlife Conservation Education Officer, emphasized the importance of creating awareness among communities about wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
He explained that the facility will serve as an educational hub where learners, families, researchers, and tourists will gain first-hand experience about Uganda’s wildlife heritage.
Mr. Mukisa further highlighted that the centre has been established to bring conservation services closer to the people of Eastern Uganda while nurturing a new generation of conservation ambassadors.
He revealed affordable entry fees aimed at making the facility accessible to all categories of visitors, including students who will pay as little as UGX 4,000, children under 18 years UGX 5,000, while adults will pay UGX 10,000, among other categories.
“This initiative is designed to ensure that every Ugandan, regardless of age or background, can access conservation education and appreciate the value of protecting our wildlife,” he noted.
The Officer in Charge of the Mbale facility assured stakeholders of UWA’s commitment to collaboration, innovation, and inclusiveness.
He noted that the centre will not only boost tourism but will also create opportunities for partnerships with schools, cultural institutions, researchers, environmental organizations, and local communities.
He encouraged stakeholders to continuously provide suggestions and innovative ideas that can strengthen wildlife conservation efforts while positioning the region as a leading conservation and tourism destination.
“We are opening our doors to everyone willing to contribute towards wildlife conservation and sustainable development. Together, we can inspire future conservation leaders and ensure that our region contributes meaningfully to global conservation efforts,” he said.
Representing the Chief Warden, Mr. G.R. Matanda, the Administrator, welcomed stakeholders and thanked them for embracing the initiative.
He traced the history of wildlife conservation education centres in Uganda, noting that the journey began in Entebbe in 1952 and has now expanded to Mbale City as part of UWA’s commitment to decentralizing conservation services and promoting regional development.
Mr. Matanda explained that the facility will play a critical role in wildlife protection by enhancing public understanding of conservation and discouraging illegal activities such as poaching.
He further observed that the centre will support Uganda’s competence-based curriculum by providing practical learning experiences for students who can now physically observe wildlife without travelling to Kampala.
He also highlighted the anticipated economic benefits, including increased tourism, job creation, business opportunities, and investment attraction.
Drawing from local culture, he noted that many Bagisu families have historically named their children after animals such as Wanasolo, Wakisi, Wazofu and others, reflecting the deep cultural connection between communities and wildlife.
He urged stakeholders to embrace and protect the facility as a shared regional asset capable of transforming livelihoods and strengthening conservation efforts.
Commissioner Musingo David cited the importance of community participation in wildlife conservation, emphasizing that conservation can only succeed when local communities become active partners rather than spectators.
He explained that ex-situ conservation facilities such as zoos and wildlife education centres play a vital role in protecting wildlife species, especially those threatened by habitat loss, climate change, human activities, and illegal wildlife trade.
Mr. Musingo noted that the Mbale facility represents a strategic investment in conservation awareness, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment.
He stressed that exposing young people to wildlife at an early age helps cultivate a conservation mindset and inspires future scientists, veterinarians, wildlife managers, researchers, and environmental leaders.
The Commissioner further highlighted UWA’s commitment to ensuring that communities directly benefit from conservation through tourism opportunities, employment, business linkages, and environmental sustainability programs.
He challenged stakeholders to become ambassadors of wildlife conservation by educating their communities on the importance of protecting biodiversity and natural resources.
“Wildlife is not only a national treasure but also an economic asset that supports livelihoods, tourism, and national development. Every citizen has a responsibility to protect it for future generations,” he said.
Mr. Musingo also emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between government institutions, schools, religious leaders, cultural leaders, private sector players, and local communities in advancing conservation goals.
He commended UWA’s decision to establish the facility in Mbale, saying it demonstrates the Authority’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people while ensuring that no region is left behind in Uganda’s conservation journey.
As anticipation builds towards the official launch on June 12, 2026, stakeholders expressed optimism that the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre and Zoo will become a transformative landmark for education, tourism, conservation, and economic growth in Eastern Uganda.
