Mbale City, Uganda: The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has intensified preparations for the official opening of the UWEC–Mbale Wildlife Education Centre, engaging stakeholders across the Bugisu sub-region on the facility’s role in conservation, tourism, education and community development.
During a stakeholder engagement held in Mbale City on Thursday, UWA officials outlined plans for the regional wildlife centre, which is expected to become Eastern Uganda’s premier hub for wildlife conservation education and tourism.
The meeting brought together cultural leaders, clan heads, security officials, political leaders and representatives from conservation agencies to discuss how communities can benefit from and support the new facility ahead of its official launch this Friday, June 12, 2026.
Speaking at the engagement, UWA Executive Director, Dr James Musinguzi, said the centre will not only provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and conservation education but will also create employment, support research and student internships, and stimulate tourism-related business opportunities in the region.
He added that plans are also underway to expand wildlife exhibits and establish the Mbale Botanic Gardens as part of broader efforts to strengthen environmental conservation and public awareness.
The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Hon. Steven Masiga, urged residents across Bugisu to change their attitude towards wildlife and embrace conservation as a driver of economic transformation.
Masiga specifically appealed to communities in Bududa and other parts of the region to stop hunting and eating wild animals such as monkeys, arguing that wildlife should be viewed as a valuable tourism asset rather than a source of food.
“We should stop looking at animals such as monkeys, buffalo, and other wildlife as food. These animals are a tourism resource that can generate income and create opportunities for our people,” Masiga said.
He noted that the establishment of the wildlife education centre presents a unique opportunity for local communities to participate in conservation efforts while benefiting from tourism development.
Masiga pledged the support of the Bugisu Cultural Institution in mobilising communities to protect wildlife and preserve natural habitats.
The stakeholder meeting was attended by officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and the Mt Elgon Conservation Area, among others.
The UWEC–Mbale Wildlife Education Centre is expected to become a major tourism attraction in Eastern Uganda, bringing wildlife conservation closer to communities while promoting environmental awareness and appreciation of Uganda’s rich biodiversity.
Once operational, the facility is expected to complement existing tourism attractions in the Mt Elgon region and contribute to local economic growth through increased visitor numbers, employment opportunities and community-based conservation initiatives.
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