Staff Reporter
In a significant move to bridge the gap between local communities and wildlife, leaders from Kihihi Subcounty recently embarked on their maiden educational tour at Queen Elizabeth National Park.
The excursion, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation, was generously sponsored by Hon. Namara Betty Mutabaazi Kataba, an aspiring Woman District Member of Parliament for Kanungu. Her support was met with widespread praise from the local council leaders, who have long sought such an opportunity.
For years, financial constraints had prevented many local leaders from experiencing wildlife and learning about conservation efforts. Despite repeated requests for assistance from various officials, funding challenges were often cited. However, Hon. Namara Betty’s intervention made this long-awaited trip a reality, bringing hope and excitement to the leaders.
Adding to this generosity, Hon. James Kaberuka Rugi, the Member of Parliament for Kinkizi West, also contributed by covering the cost of meals for the traveling leaders, ensuring their focus remained on the educational aspect of the tour.
The journey kicked off with a visit to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) offices in Mweya, Kasese District, where local leaders participated in discussions on the significance of wildlife conservation and the benefits of national parks. Chief Warden Portious Ezumu emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence between local communities and wildlife, stressing that the advantages of national parks go beyond tourism. Ezumu urged leaders to take full advantage of UWA’s revenue-sharing fund to foster economic development in their communities, highlighting the potential for wise investments to yield lucrative returns.
Masereka Silvester, UWA’s conflict resolution officer, passionately advocated for local tourism, encouraging communities to explore the parks at affordable rates. He pointed out that cultivating a positive relationship with wildlife could significantly enhance tourism and economic opportunities for the region.
The tour was a thrilling experience for many local leaders, some of whom had never ventured into national parks. They encountered a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, lions, zebras, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. A key highlight of the tour was visiting the Kazinga Channel, a vital ecosystem connecting Lake Edward and Lake George and serving as a protected fishing breeding ground.
Nelson Natukunda, the LC3 Chairperson of Kihihi Sub-county, noted that the tour inspired the leaders to pursue more opportunities through national park initiatives. He revealed that an association has been formed to promote social and economic development through projects such as goat farming, poultry, and community loan schemes.
Samada Masanda, LC1 Chairperson of Kashojwa Cell, praised Hon. Namara Kataba’s sponsorship of the educational tour, calling it a milestone achievement for the local leaders.
The trip not only deepened the leaders’ understanding of wildlife conservation but also sparked a renewed commitment to promoting sustainable development and conservation efforts within their communities.
