HRH Mudoma, Hon. Wanyoto Praise New Conservation Facility for Transforming Eastern Uganda

MBALE, Uganda – Eastern Uganda has marked a significant milestone in wildlife conservation and environmental education with the official launch of the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, a facility expected to transform conservation awareness, research, tourism, and community participation across the region.

The centre, established under the management of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), represents the first major conservation education extension facility outside Entebbe and forms part of the government's broader strategy to decentralize wildlife conservation services and bring environmental education closer to communities.

The launch ceremony attracted cultural leaders, government officials, conservationists, and local residents who described the development as a game changer for Eastern Uganda.

Umukuuka Wa Bugisu Hails Historic Achievement

Speaking at the event, Jude Mike Mudoma expressed pride in hosting the facility in Mbale, noting that for decades conservation education had largely been concentrated in Entebbe, forcing many Ugandans to travel long distances to access wildlife learning opportunities.

He said the establishment of the centre had finally broken that barrier, allowing communities in Eastern Uganda to directly engage with conservation education and environmental awareness initiatives.

"This facility brings conservation closer to our people. For many years, those interested in learning about wildlife conservation had to travel to Entebbe. Today, that challenge has been addressed, and our communities can now access these services within their region," he said.

The cultural leader commended the Government for decentralizing conservation education, describing the move as a demonstration of commitment to environmental protection, tourism development, and regional transformation.

He pledged the support of the Bugisu Cultural Institution in working alongside government agencies and stakeholders to safeguard natural resources and wildlife heritage for future generations.

Mudoma further highlighted the economic opportunities expected to arise from the centre, including employment in conservation education, tour guiding, research assistance, facility management, hospitality, and community outreach programmes.

According to him, the centre will not only strengthen conservation efforts but also improve livelihoods and encourage community participation in sustainable development initiatives.

Lydia Wanyoto Commends Government Vision

The Minister of State for Public Service who is also the Mbale City Woman MP, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, praised the Government for establishing the facility in Mbale, describing it as a strategic investment that will stimulate economic growth while promoting environmental stewardship.

She noted that residents of Mbale and surrounding districts are already benefiting from government programmes such as land titling and the Parish Development Model, and said the new conservation centre would complement these initiatives by creating additional economic opportunities.

"The facility will attract visitors and tourists to the region, creating markets for local products and services. Farmers, entrepreneurs, transport operators, and hospitality businesses stand to benefit significantly," she said.

Wanyoto encouraged local communities to embrace cleanliness, provide quality services, and maintain a healthy environment to maximize the benefits associated with increased tourism activity.

She emphasized that community involvement would be crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of the conservation education centre.

Conservation Brought Closer to the People

The Chairperson of the UWA Board, James Kalema, described the launch as a major step towards bringing conservation closer to ordinary Ugandans.

"Conservation has taken another step closer to the people," he remarked.

Kalema stressed the importance of conservation education, public awareness, and community participation in safeguarding Uganda's rich biodiversity.

He said the new facility would serve as a platform for research, environmental learning, and public engagement while inspiring more Ugandans to appreciate wildlife and become active conservation advocates.

"The centre will strengthen research, environmental education, and inspire future generations to value and protect Uganda's wildlife resources," he said.

Education Centre to Transform Mindsets

The Executive Director of UWA, James Musinguzi, welcomed guests to the facility and underscored the role the centre will play in changing public attitudes toward conservation.

He said the facility is designed to encourage greater participation by Ugandans in tourism while enhancing understanding of the importance of wildlife protection.

Musinguzi expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Government for their continued support towards conservation and tourism development.

"This centre will help transform people's mindset towards conservation. It will inspire communities, especially young people, to appreciate wildlife and understand the critical role conservation plays in national development," he said.

He added that the facility would serve as a centre for learning, inspiration, and empowerment, equipping future generations with knowledge and skills necessary to protect Uganda's natural heritage.

First Conservation Extension Centre Since 1952

Officials revealed that the initiative marks a historic expansion of conservation education services in Uganda.

The former Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), now operating under UWA, was founded in 1952. Since then, conservation education services have largely remained concentrated at the Entebbe facility, with limited extension services reaching other parts of the country.

The Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre therefore becomes the first major regional conservation education facility established outside Entebbe.

Authorities disclosed that the Government plans to establish four wildlife education centres or zoological facilities across the country, with Mbale becoming the first to be officially opened.

The expansion aims to increase access to conservation education, promote domestic tourism, enhance environmental awareness, and strengthen community involvement in wildlife protection.

A New Home for Conservation and Sustainable Development

The launch of the Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre signals a new chapter in Uganda's conservation journey, bringing wildlife education closer to communities while creating opportunities for economic growth and environmental stewardship.

As Eastern Uganda celebrates the landmark achievement, leaders believe the facility will become a catalyst for conservation awareness, tourism development, research, and job creation, helping build a future where communities actively participate in protecting Uganda's biodiversity while benefiting from sustainable development opportunities.

The centre now stands as a symbol of the Government's commitment to ensuring that conservation is not confined to protected areas alone but becomes a shared responsibility embraced by all Ugandans.

The function was also attended by the State Minister for Tourism, Hon. Suzan Nakawuki

and H.E Vice President, Hon. Jessica Alupo as chief guest among others.