Museveni Hails UWA ED Dr. Musinguzi,  Calls for More Regional Wildlife Education Across Uganda for Promotion of Domestic Tourism and Protecting Natural Heritage.

By Abraham Lincolns | Mbale

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hailed Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Executive Director (ED) Dr. James Musinguzi for the establishment of Mbale Regional wildlife Educational center and asked the  the Uganda Wildlife Authority to add more regional wildlife education centers across the country as a way of promoting domestic tourism and protecting the natural heritage.

The President was the guest of honour at the world tourism day celebrations held at Mbale Secondary School grounds in Mbale City under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism”.

During his tour of the Mbale Wildlife Education Centre as part of World Tourism Day 2026 celebrations, the President hailed Dr. James  Musinguzi for coming up with the idea of having regional tourism education centre and called   for the regional expansion of wildlife education and conservation centres across the country.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) established the Mbale facility as the first step to decentralize conservation education outside of Entebbe with a major aim of bringing animals and educational exhibits closer to local communities purposely to stimulate domestic travel and family recreation in regions like Elgon.

The strategy supports Uganda’s 10-fold economic growth plan, which positions tourism as a primary frontier for foreign exchange and regional employment and designed to teach children and adults about the balance between humans, wildlife, and plant habitats to drive long-term protection of natural heritage.

“Extending such wildlife education activities to other parts of the country will bring wildlife closer to our people, especially the young generation, promote conservation and appreciation of our natural resources, encourage domestic tourism and inspire careers in tourism and conservation” Mr. Museveni said.

Mr. Museveni also encouraged citizens to join the four sectors of wealth creation and tap into the global tourism industry emphasising that Uganda possesses unique natural advantages such as the Rwenzori Mountains and a favourable climate that rival and exceed attractions found in Europe.

He strongly warned against environmental degradation, stating that anyone destroying wetlands acts as an enemy to the nation’s future, especially those involved in agriculture and tourism who also rely on stable electricity and natural resources. On infrastructure development, the President emphasized the need to extend last-mile infrastructure to areas like Bududa and Manjiya to boost local economic activities and community access.

He expressed approval and commended that the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Ministry of Tourism is becoming more active and moving away from past inaction (kugona or sleeping). Guided through the Centre’s semi-natural animal exhibits, the President was received by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Tom Butime, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi, alongside other government leaders and local officials.

In an era where the modern traveler discovers destinations online, compares experiences, books digitally, and shares feedback through social media, UWA’s visibility in the digital space is directly linked to competitiveness.

Dr. James Musinguzi, Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), delivered a message cantered on domestic tourism and conservation as Mbale City hosted the national World Tourism Day 2026 celebrations. He said the Open Park Initiative was launched as a free access initiative to enable Ugandans and East African residents’ free entry into major national parks to encourage domestic travel.

He stressed that conservation and tourism are inseparable, urging locals to experience their country’s wildlife firsthand and become active ambassadors for preservation where he noted that unlocking Eastern Uganda’s full tourism potential from Mount Elgon to the Bamasaba heritage requires packaging local history and culture effectively for visitors.

The national celebrations shine a spotlight on the incredible tourism potential of Eastern Uganda, from the majestic heights of Mount Elgon and the scenic Wanale Ridge to the rich heritage and culture of the Bamasaba, alongside the region’s expanding tourism circuit.

“Hosting the event here in Mbale showcases the Elgon region’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential, and economic growth”, Hon. Tom Butime, minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities said.

In the same development, Museveni officially opened the renovated Mount Elgon Hotel, restoring the historic architectural heritage while introducing modern hospitality facilities. The hospitality industry is an important part of the service sector, creating jobs, supporting businesses and contributing to economic growth.