Uganda Vows to Promote Tourism through Wildlife Conservation
Uganda government is significantly looking forward on brand-new financial investment in wildlife conservation aimed at developing tourism.
Focusing on addressing tourism sector challenges which include; climate change, human-wildlife conflicts, under developed tourism infrastructure, encroachment on wildlife reserves, degradation of natural habitats, and the need for sensitization programs that encourage sustainable farming practices that do not harm wildlife or ecosystems.
The initiative was made on Monday 3rd March, at the world Wildlife Day celebration which took place at Akii Bua Stadium in Lira City.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was represented by Minister of Health Hon. Jane Ruth Acheng, who read the president’s promising message.
Mr Museveni said, “We will continue to commit enhanced financing to the wildlife conservation sector to address growing challenges and improve tourism infrastructure, such as roads and associated facilities.”
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Uganda welcomed about 1.3 million visitors in 2024, a number President Museveni believes is insufficient.
The President stressed the need for collective action and responsibility from non-state conservation partners and organizations, emphasizing that every citizen has a duty to protect wildlife. “It is our responsibility to protect habitats such as wetlands, forests, open waters, and grasslands and species, especially endangered ones, as well as ecosystems that provide essential services. We need serious local community and private sector involvement and investment in this vital sector.”
The event, themed “Wildlife Conservation Financing: Investing in People and the Planet,” brought together Members of Parliament, Permanent Secretaries, local government leaders, cultural and religious leaders, development partners, private sector representatives, conservation groups, NGOs, and other distinguished guests.
The celebration provided a platform to exchange ideas, showcase solutions, and discuss how innovative financing can contribute to Uganda’s biodiversity preservation efforts.
A number of iconic people attended the celebration among whom included; the Lira City Mayor Sam Atul, Tourism State Minister Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Health Minister Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng & Tourism Minister Col. (Rtd) Tom Butime, stand still during the singing of the Anthems at the World Wildlife Day celebrations at Akii Bua Stadium in Lira.
The government will develop participatory approaches to wildlife conservation, President Museveni added, by involving local communities in these initiatives so they feel empowered and develop a positive attitude toward protecting Uganda’s flora and fauna.
“We will prioritize joint action among stakeholders with a shared vision, goals, and objectives for wildlife conservation and management. Government will further enhance local participation by promoting community-centered wildlife management, ensuring abundant wildlife, and improved livelihoods through access to ecosystem resources, coexistence between humans and wildlife, and enhanced community resilience to climate and environmental shocks.” according to the president’s letter.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Doreen Katusiime, represented by Dr. Basil Ajer, the Tourism Director at the Ministry of Tourism Wildlife & Antiquities highlighted that funding remains a critical challenge for wildlife conservation.
She called on the government to allocate more resources to this cause. “We will continue to collaboratively support initiatives that seek to enhance the country’s opportunities in the wildlife sector. As we celebrate this day, we must reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting our precious wildlife resources through sustainable and innovative financing.”
Judith Alyek, Chairperson of the Lango Parliamentary Forum and Woman MP for Kole District, expressed readiness to support any initiatives related to tourism development in the Lango Sub-region.
“As MPs from Lango Sub-region, we are prepared to back any reports, amendments, or constitutional changes brought to Parliament by the Ministers to develop our tourism sites. This includes any budget allocations intended for the preservation and development of tourist sites in Lango Sub-region,” she said.
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul expressed concern over Uganda’s diminishing wetland cover, which threatens aquatic life and contributes to climate-related disasters. He also criticized the lack of adequate government funding for officers tasked with enforcing strict conservation measures for wetlands. “In Lira City, we face challenges in preserving nature, especially aquatic life.
About Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day annual was designed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2013, to raise awareness about the diversity of species that provide essential benefits to humanity. The decision emphasizes the importance of coordinated local, regional, and international efforts to protect the world’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Held annually just ahead of World Wildlife Day, this year’s edition marked a milestone year for global wildlife conservation with the 50th anniversary of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
It attracted runners who had previously represented Uganda in the Olympics, including the likes of Winnie Nanyondo, Halima Nakaayi (Uganda’s 800-meter runner), and Ronald Musagala, a Ugandan middle- and long-distance runner.
Flagged off by Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, the event witnessed fierce competition in multiple race categories, including the 42km, 21km, 10km, and 5km races, with the winners taking home significant cash prizes. Both the male and female winners of the 42km race walked away with UGX 1 million each. Other categories were also fiercely contested, with top athletes receiving recognition for their outstanding performance.
Maxmila Cherotich won the 21km women’s race, Sarah Chelangat took the first place in the 10km women’s category, Dismas clinched the 10km men’s title, and Andiema Allan emerged as the 42km marathon champion.
The event’s unique integration of sports and environmentalism captured the attention of both local and international audiences. In addition to the participation of top runners, including Olympic marathoners and athletes from security agencies like the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the event doubled as a fundraiser for the families of fallen UWA rangers. With the theme “Running to Educate the Children of Fallen Rangers,” the event raised much-needed funds to support the education of 60 children who have lost their fathers in the line of duty.
Hon. Martin Mugarra expressed deep gratitude for their contributions to the nation’s wildlife conservation efforts, recognizing the intertwined nature of sporting success and environmental stewardship.
“You inspire not only by your talent but by your commitment to the future of our wildlife. We may never be able to repay your efforts fully, but your contribution to Uganda’s conservation legacy is invaluable,” Minister Mugarra said during the awards ceremony.
Beyond the physical challenges faced by the athletes, the marathon served a much more profound purpose: supporting the families of the UWA rangers who have lost their lives in protecting Uganda’s rich wildlife. According to UWA’s head of Public Relations Mr. Hangi Bashir, the marathon’s funds are crucial for the education of the children of these fallen heroes.
“The children of our fallen rangers are our future, and we are committed to ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive. We support their education from primary school right through to university, ensuring their futures are not defined by tragedy but by the promise of knowledge and opportunity,” Mr. Bashir explained.
The marathon’s fundraising efforts have played a vital role in sustaining UWA’s mission to protect Uganda’s natural heritage. Since 2002, dozens of rangers have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty, often due to dangerous confrontations with poachers. The marathon’s efforts to remember and support these families highlight the nation’s ongoing commitment to conservation and the people who make it possible.
In addition to its conservation goals, the UWA Marathon also provides a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing athletic talent in Uganda. Many of the top finishers come from security agencies and athletics clubs, which emphasizes the strong culture of running in the country. The marathon has become an essential event for developing athletes who may one day compete on the world stage.