Museveni Commends UWA for Wildlife Conservation Efforts During Mbale Visit

MBALE – September 27, 2026 – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for its conservation efforts at the Mbale Wildlife Education Centre, praising the institution's role in protecting wildlife and promoting conservation awareness.

The President made the remarks during a visit to the Centre in Mbale City, where he was guided through various animal exhibits showcasing wildlife kept in semi-natural habitats.

Museveni was received by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, alongside other government ministers, Members of Parliament and local leaders.

During the guided tour, the President was taken through the Centre's wildlife exhibits, which provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about Uganda's diverse wildlife and the importance of conservation.

His visit highlighted the government's continued engagement with wildlife conservation institutions and the role of tourism facilities in promoting environmental education and protecting the country's natural heritage.

The Mbale Wildlife Education Centre serves as an important platform for wildlife education, offering visitors, particularly students and young people, an opportunity to appreciate Uganda's biodiversity and understand the importance of protecting wildlife.

Museveni's commendation comes as Uganda intensifies efforts to promote tourism as a key contributor to economic growth, employment creation and foreign exchange earnings.

The President is in Mbale City to preside over this year's World Tourism Day celebrations, being held at Mbale Secondary School playgrounds under the theme "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism."

The theme places emphasis on the growing role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in transforming the global tourism industry, including how destinations are marketed, tourism services are delivered and visitors experience attractions.

Uganda's participation in the global celebrations also provides an opportunity to showcase the country's tourism potential, including its wildlife, cultural heritage, natural attractions and emerging tourism destinations.

The celebrations in Mbale bring together government officials, tourism stakeholders, conservationists and other players in the tourism sector to reflect on opportunities for expanding the industry through innovation and sustainable development.

Wildlife conservation remains a central pillar of Uganda's tourism sector, with the country's national parks, wildlife reserves and other conservation facilities attracting both domestic and international visitors.

UWA plays a significant role in protecting wildlife, managing protected areas and supporting conservation initiatives that contribute to the sustainability of Uganda's tourism industry.

The President's visit to the Mbale Wildlife Education Centre added a conservation dimension to the World Tourism Day celebrations, drawing attention to the relationship between wildlife protection, environmental education and tourism development.

As Uganda explores opportunities to integrate digital technologies and artificial intelligence into tourism, conservation facilities such as the Mbale Wildlife Education Centre remain important in promoting awareness and appreciation of the country's natural resources.