President Yoweri Museveni has announced the government’s initiative to upgrade selected Central Forest Reserves and Wildlife Reserves into National Parks, emphasizing the importance of wildlife conservation and tourism protection.
Delivering the President’s speech at the UN World Wildlife Day event in Kyenjojo district today, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja highlighted the government’s commitment to preserving wildlife for present and future generations.
In line with this vision, President Museveni outlined plans to improve tourism infrastructure by constructing more tourism roads and upgrading airfields.
He also stressed the government’s dedication to leveraging ICT for conservation and tourism promotion while combating wildlife crimes.
Addressing human-induced threats to wildlife, including poaching and encroachment, Museveni emphasized the importance of building electric fences around conservation areas to prevent human-wildlife conflicts and enhance security for tourists.
Highlighting the significance of biodiversity, Museveni underscored Uganda’s rich ecological diversity and pledged continued investment in tourism as a key foreign exchange earner for the country.
Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, echoed the need to relocate Ugandans from wetlands and other natural habitats to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, emphasizing sustainability.
Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Col. Tom Butime, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to wildlife conservation.
The 11th edition of World Wildlife Day was commemorated under the theme “Connecting People and Planet; Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.”
