Humans co-existing with wild animals is a thing of the past, typical of folktales that were told around the fire place. But in a distant village in western Uganda, about 560km from the capital Kampala, this is the reality of life.
In a remarkable display of symbiotic living, a community and a wildlife training school called Uganda Wildlife Research and Training College (UWRTC), located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth National Park, have found a way to thrive together in perfect harmony.
The college, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of wildlife conservationists, has become an integral part of the community's fabric, with locals gaining employment opportunities and learning about wildlife conservation. In return, the school has gained a deeper understanding of the community's needs and traditions, allowing them to tailor their programs to benefit both humans and animals.
What is baffling if not tantalizing is that Queen Elizabeth National Park is what the people in this post-card pretty historical village call home, with buffalos, elephants, hippos and warthogs, among others as their neighbours and several of them cannot imagine living in any other part of the world.
“I was born here 52 years ago and salt mining is all I have ever known. It is where our parents earned lots of money and it is also my major source of living,” says Deo Baguma, a father of four, who happens to juggle salt mining with part-time work at UWRTC as a photographer and mason.
But there is something unique in this serene village besides being located on the fringes of Lake Edward with its venomous crocodiles and marauding wild animals.
The people in Katwe are exceptionally hospitable, making them one of the most likeable people in the country. Visitors are often struck by the warmth and generosity of the locals, who go out of the way to ensure guests are not only safe but feel at home.
“It is risky to move beyond 8:00pm because this is the time when the hippos come out of the water and they kill more humans than lions and leopards,” a resident only identified as Jimmy told this writer who was still sipping a drink after a day spent attending the wildlife filming training organized by the Kasese-based wildlife institute.
A nightlife bastion
As the sun dips below the horizon, the vibrant aura of this enchanting town come alive with the pulsating rhythms of music and the infectious energy of dance from the town’s most favorite night spots, most especially ‘The Vybes’ which like the name suggests is a whole package of vibe.
“I haven’t slept for the last three nights because of the blaring music, it is too much,” says Dave McGowan, an award winning American film maker and lead trainer at the three-weeks training workshop, who can’t stand the loud music fusing traditional and modern styles and blending the rich cultural heritage of the town with contemporary flair.
But despite the inconvenience to some people, especially the guests, the nighttime revelry is more than just a party – it’s a celebration of community and connection.
The town’s residents have created a space where people can come together, let loose, and simply enjoy the moment.
As the writer visited ‘The Vybes’ night spot, a joyful cacophony filled the night air. It is a place where the night is truly alive, where strangers become friends, united by their love for music and dance. Indeed as the night wears on, the music and dance grow more vibrant, a true expression of the town’s unbreakable spirit.
Conservation efforts
The college's students are actively involved in conservation efforts, working alongside community members to protect and preserve the wildlife. This hands-on approach not only provides valuable experience for the students but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the community.
“That buffalo you see over there is vulnerable and very dangerous. It must have been over-powered by an alfa male and chased away from the herd and when youfind it in that state, you must be extra careful,” said Shiffa Sonju, a Wildlife Management student at UWRTI, while pointing at the lone buffalo that was staring in our direction.
The community and wildlife training college's partnership serves as a model for sustainable coexistence, demonstrating that humans and wildlife can thrive together with the right approach.
As the college continues to grow and develop, its clear that this unique partnership will remain a cornerstone of their success.
The future looks bright for this community and wildlife training college, with a new generation of conservationists being trained to protect and preserve the local wildlife.
As they work together, they' are creating a brighter future for both humans and animals, one that is built on mutual respect, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Katwe, a village located in the heart of Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park, is a place where humans and wildlife coexist in a delicate balance of nature and tradition.
This scenic destination is known for its salt mining industry, where locals extract salt from Lake Katwe, a saline lake that has been a source of livelihood for generations.
The lake, which is the chief producer of salt in the country, was formed as a result of volcanic eruption about 10,000 years ago and stretches about nine kilometres in width.
There is a raised settlement near the lake which people who came from neighbouring areas to buy salt called ‘aha Katwe’. It is from this that the name Katwe was derived.
Visitors usually combine their trip to Katwe with a safari or boat cruise to explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of the area.