By Frank Kamuntu
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially launched the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC)-Mbale, the country’s first regional wildlife conservation and education facility, in a landmark move aimed at bringing conservation education closer to communities across Eastern Uganda.
Speaking at the launch, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi described the facility as a transformative investment that will change how communities engage with wildlife conservation while encouraging greater participation in tourism and environmental stewardship.
“The Education Centre is set to transform people’s mindset towards conservation while encouraging the active participation of all Ugandans in tourism,” Dr. Musinguzi said, while expressing gratitude to the government for its continued support towards conservation and tourism development.
The centre marks a major milestone in UWA’s efforts to decentralize conservation education, which for decades has been largely concentrated in Entebbe. The new facility is expected to serve learners, researchers, families, and visitors from Eastern Uganda and neighbouring regions, providing easier access to wildlife education and environmental awareness programmes.
Presiding over the launch, Vice President Jessica Alupo hailed the project as a significant achievement in advancing conservation education and sustainable development.
She said the establishment of the centre demonstrates the government’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people and ensuring that all Ugandans have the opportunity to understand, appreciate, and participate in the conservation of the country’s natural heritage.
“For many years, wildlife conservation education has largely been centred in Entebbe. While this has contributed significantly to public awareness and conservation learning, distance and cost have limited access for many Ugandans, particularly school-going children and communities in other regions of the country,” Alupo said.
She noted that the Mbale facility would help bridge that gap by making conservation education more accessible while strengthening domestic tourism, environmental stewardship, and community participation in the tourism economy.
The Vice President commended UWA, district leaders, Resident District Commissioners, security agencies, cultural leaders led by the Umukuka, the media, and the people of Mbale for their commitment to conservation and service delivery.
“I extend sincere appreciation to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, district leaders, Resident District Commissioners, security agencies including the UPDF and Police, cultural leaders led by the Umukuka, the media, and the people of Mbale for their commitment to conservation and service delivery,” she said.
Alupo emphasized that Uganda’s wildlife resources remain a critical pillar of the tourism industry, supporting jobs, generating foreign exchange earnings, and contributing to national development.
She said facilities such as the Mbale centre will play an important role in cultivating a citizenry that understands the value of conservation and its contribution to sustainable development.
The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, described the centre as a significant milestone in bringing conservation education closer to the people.
“This Centre reflects our shared commitment to conservation, tourism development, and community empowerment,” she said.
Nsambu noted that Mbale’s rich cultural heritage and growing tourism potential make it an ideal location for the facility, which will serve as a hub for wildlife education, research, and cultural tourism.
She added that the centre will benefit learners, researchers, local businesses, hotels, tour operators, and communities that rely on tourism for their livelihoods.
According to the minister, the project is part of a broader effort to decentralize conservation education and strengthen sustainable development across the country.
She called upon all Ugandans to embrace conservation as a shared responsibility and a key driver of national transformation.
State Minister for Public Service Lydia Wanyoto welcomed the establishment of the facility, saying it would boost economic activity and create new opportunities for local communities.
She noted that increased tourist traffic would benefit farmers, small businesses, and service providers, while complementing other government programmes aimed at improving household incomes.
Wanyoto encouraged residents to maintain high standards of cleanliness, hospitality, and service delivery in order to maximize the benefits associated with tourism growth.
The Umukuka of the Bamasaaba, Jude Mike Mudoma, described the launch as a historic milestone for Eastern Uganda.
He said that for years, conservation education was largely accessible through facilities in Entebbe, making it difficult for many schools and communities in the region to participate.
“That barrier has now been broken,” he said, noting that the centre will give local communities direct access to wildlife knowledge and environmental awareness programmes.
Mudoma also highlighted the economic opportunities the facility is expected to create, including jobs in conservation education, tour guiding, research, hospitality, community outreach, and facility management.
UWA Board Chair Prof. James Kalema underscored the importance of conservation education and public participation in protecting Uganda’s biodiversity.
“Conservation has taken another step closer to the people,” he said.
He noted that the facility will strengthen research, environmental learning, and public awareness while inspiring more Ugandans to appreciate and conserve wildlife for future generations.
The newly launched centre is expected to enhance Eastern Uganda’s tourism offering alongside attractions such as Mount Elgon National Park, while contributing to job creation, business growth, conservation awareness, and sustainable development across the region.
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