Construction of Mbale wildlife conservation centre starts

MBALE | The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) has launched the construction of the Mbale Regional Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Mbale city.

Last month , the National Forestry Authority handed over part of its forest reserves covering 30 acres of land in Mbale City to Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre for the establishment of regional zoo.

The first phase of the project, valued at Shs7 billion out of the total Shs22 billion conservation centre, was marked with a symbolic handover of the site to the six contractors on June 27.

The project subdivided into six components each awarded to a separate contractor. It involves the construction of an administration block, boundary wall along the 30-acre land, lion holding and exhibition facility, grazers exhibit, roads, and tourist toilets.

The contractors have taken possession of the site and are expected to complete their work within the next six months.

The project marks the beginning of an exciting initiative that will provide a unique educational experience for visitors and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts as well as tourism in the region.

The project aligns with the government's National Development Plan (NDP) III and Local Economic Development goals.

Mr James Musinguzi, executive director of UWEC, said this is part of the government's strategic plan to localise conservation education through the establishment of four regional wildlife conservation education centres in eastern, western, central, and northern regions.

He called for a conservation education strategy that is localized based on the challenges in the area such as flooding and landslides.

According to Musinguzi, the plan is to create a tourism circuit in the area, allowing visitors to visit the Wildlife Centre, cultural sites in Mutoto, and hike Wanale Hill.

The project is fully funded by the Government of Uganda.

Musinguzi highlighted the crucial role of regional zoos in environmental education and sustainable development for social-economic transformation.

"To develop and achieve social-economic transformation, we must conserve the resources upon which we depend because natural resources cut across all sectors of the economy," he said.

Initially, Mbale Municipal Council resolved  to degazette the forest to pave way for physical development, a move that was met with mixed reactions from the stakeholder - some accusing the leaders of wanting to divide plots among themselves.

The municipality leadership under Mayor Zandya Mutwalibi went ahead to purchased land in Bulambuli on loan to relocate the forest, but it was deemed to be of less value.

According to Zaidi Wandulu, area division councilor, some "mafias" had already secured land titles prior to degazetting of the area.

“Mafias had already encroached on this land but good enough government itself has come to develop this land and no one can fight the government,” Wandulu said.

However, the establishment of a zoo marks the last nail in the coffin of that plan.

Area leaders have lauded the government for the project, citing its significance to local economic development in terms of job creation and business opportunities.