Mbale City, Uganda: The Bugisu Cultural Institution has proposed that some animals at the newly established Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservation Centre (UWEC)–Mbale Zoo be named in honour of the Umukuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, as part of efforts to strengthen cultural identity and promote wildlife conservation in the region.
The proposal was tabled by the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, during a stakeholder sensitisation meeting held on Thursday at Palace View Hotel in Mbale City ahead of the official opening of the wildlife education centre on June 12.
The meeting brought together cultural leaders, clan chairpersons, security officials, political leaders and representatives from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), and the Ministry of Tourism.
Masiga argued that naming some animals after the Umukuka would symbolically strengthen the relationship between the cultural institution and the new conservation facility, which is situated within Bugisu.
“When we name animals after the Umukuka, people will fear eating them because it will be assumed they are eating the Umukuka. My people here eat animals; I must warn you, Honourable members,” Masiga said, drawing laughter from participants.
He noted that several countries around the world have named animals and species after kings, queens and other notable leaders as a way of recognising their contribution to society and conservation efforts.
Masiga cited examples of wildlife species named after members of royal families, including King Charles III, saying Bugisu could adopt a similar approach.
He proposed that strong and iconic animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes and monkeys be named after the reigning Umukuka.
“We need lions, elephants, buffaloes and monkeys named after the Umukuka. We should avoid naming weak animals after him,” Masiga said.
The cultural spokesperson further suggested that other distinguished sons and daughters of Bugisu could also be honoured through similar naming initiatives, drawing inspiration from practices at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Entebbe.
Masiga challenged the Bamasaba community to view wildlife as a tourism asset rather than merely a source of food.
“We shall engage our people to ensure that they are fully involved in conservation. Our people should not look at animals such as monkeys and buffaloes as sauce, but as tourism potential capable of generating income and development,” he said.
The UWEC–Mbale Zoo, Uganda’s first regional wildlife education and conservation centre outside Entebbe, is expected to officially open on June 12, 2026.
Several animals, including lions, a zebra, a waterbuck, ostriches and peacocks, have already been relocated to the facility as preparations for the launch enter the final stages.
Officials say the centre will serve as a hub for wildlife conservation education, research, tourism promotion and environmental awareness in Eastern Uganda.
The stakeholder meeting was attended by Commissioner Musingo from the Ministry of Tourism, officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, including representatives from the Mt Elgon Conservation Area led by Mr Matanda and Emmanuel Mukisa.
The new facility is expected to boost tourism in Eastern Uganda while bringing wildlife conservation and education closer to communities in the region.
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