Mbale City, Uganda: The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has commenced preparations for the official opening of the UWEC–Mbale Zoo, the country’s first regional satellite zoo, in a major step towards expanding wildlife conservation, education and tourism opportunities beyond the central region.
As part of the preparations, UWA has begun relocating wildlife to the new facility in Mbale City ahead of its official launch scheduled for June 12, 2026.
Several animals, including lions, a zebra, a waterbuck, an ostrich and peacocks, have already been successfully transferred and are reportedly adapting well to their new environment.
The establishment of the UWEC–Mbale Zoo is expected to bring wildlife experiences closer to communities across Eastern Uganda, particularly for residents who may not have the opportunity to visit Uganda’s national parks or the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe.
Conservation experts say the facility will play a vital role in promoting environmental awareness, conservation education and appreciation of Uganda’s rich biodiversity among local communities.
According to UWA, the regional zoo forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen wildlife conservation education and increase public participation in conservation efforts.
The facility is expected to serve as a learning centre for schools, researchers and tourists while providing practical opportunities for environmental education and awareness creation.
Boost for Tourism and Local Economy
Beyond conservation, the zoo is expected to boost tourism in Mbale City and the wider Eastern Uganda region by attracting visitors from across the country and neighbouring areas.
Tourism stakeholders believe the facility could create new opportunities for hotels, transport operators, tour guides, restaurants and other businesses that depend on visitor traffic.
The project is also expected to generate employment opportunities for residents through both direct and indirect tourism-related activities.
The opening of the zoo marks a significant milestone in Uganda’s conservation journey by decentralising wildlife education and making conservation experiences more accessible to communities outside major tourism hubs.
Officials say the facility will help bridge the gap between wildlife conservation efforts and local communities by providing opportunities for direct interaction with selected wildlife species in a controlled environment.
Excitement is already building ahead of the official launch, which is expected to attract government officials, conservationists, tourism industry players, development partners and members of the public.
The UWEC–Mbale Zoo is expected to become a key conservation, education and tourism attraction in Eastern Uganda while reinforcing Uganda’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage for future generations.
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