Uganda joined the rest of the world in celebrating the United Nations World Wildlife Day on 03rd March 2023 at King George stadium in Tororo District.
This prestigious merriment ran under the theme: “Partnership for Wildlife Conservation”.
Speaking during the event, the Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director Sam Mwandha called upon all stakeholders to amplify partnerships in order for the cores on strengthening wildlife protection, tackling wildlife crime, mitigating negative impacts of human wildlife conflict and promoting protected areas as tourist destinations is achieved.
“We have been aggressive in strengthening our relationships with the communities neighboring protected areas and continued to share benefits. We disbursed UGX 9.5 billion revenue share to our communities and all this will continue.” He said.
Mwandha added that he is excited about the move of bringing Bukedi region on board as a one that will increase tourist numbers.
“Visitor numbers to our protected areas increased to 265,539 collecting UGX 69 billion in financial year 2021/22 compared to 103,812 visitors and UGX 21 billion in financial year 2020/21.” He noted.
On the same event, the authority also disclosed the news on the increment in the numbers of wild animals across different protected areas.
“I’m delighted to inform you that our elephants in Uganda have risen from 2000 to 8000, Giraffes from 350 to 2075, Buffalos, Gorillas, Antelopes and Rhinos have also increased.” Mwandha said before inviting Herbert Byaruhanga the Chief Birding officer at the Authority to give stats on the birds in the Pearl of Africa.
Byaruhanga revealed that are bird species in Uganda have increased from 1100 – 11001. This followed a new specie known as white-throated robin, or irania. He revealed that this bird is a small, sexually dimorphic, migratory passerine bird.
“The vernacular and genus name Irania alludes to Iran, its type locality, while the specific name guttural is Medieval Latin for of the throat’. It breeds in western Asia and overwinters in East Africa, and today as we celebrate World Wildlife Day in Tororo, We glad to note that this beautiful bird is on the rock up here.” Byaruhanga said.
It should be noted that Uganda is a birding paradise boasting a massive bird list of more of than 1100 recorded bird species making up 50% of Africa’s bird species and 11% of the world species. This huge bird list is contained within a small territory of only 90041 square miles (about the size of Britain), hence having one of the highest concentration of birds per square kilometers in Africa.
Birding in Uganda rewards with easy spotting of many birds by covering just a small area or birding for a short period of time.
The incredible diversity of habitats that no other area in Africa can match is the reason Uganda harbors such a huge diversity of birds and collects so many migrant birds during the year. Uganda lies in a unique position where she shares Africa’s major ecological zones (apart from the sea) and each has associated bird species, including many that are range restricted.
On Speaking about this great Wildlife protection and conservation success, Hon. Tom Butime, the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities revealed that its as a result of political stability in the Pearl of Africa.
“Unlike other governments like that of Iddi Amin and the instability associated, Uganda lost a lot of numbers to the neighboring countries. Today we are celebrating this great day because the visionary and peaceful leadership of the National Resistance Movement led by president Museveni which has given a conclusive environment for the animals and the tourism investors to enjoy the flora and fauna, it has also opened up wings for both local and foreign investors.” Hon. Tom Butime said.
The Uganda Tourism Board boss Ms. Lilly Ajarova hailed the different stakeholders for working tirelessly in pushing the brand Destination of #ExploreUganda, one of the key factors for sector growth.
She added that basing on the fact that Tororo and Bukedi sub region at large has come on board.
“We are going to do our best to see that a team from the product development department of Uganda Tourism Board camp here in Tororo and profile all the tourism facilities here.” Ms. Lilly Ajarova said.
