Dr James Musinguzi Sets New Chapter in Uganda’s Conservation Education,  Relocates Wildlife to New Mbale Zoo

By Abraham Lincolns | Kampala

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has commenced the translocation of animals from the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe to the newly established Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Mbale, marking a significant milestone in efforts to bring wildlife conservation closer to communities in Eastern Uganda.

The relocation exercise, which started on June 1, forms part of preparations for the official opening of Uganda’s first regional satellite zoo, scheduled for June 12, 2026.

Speaking to the Second Opinion Publications Dr (Phd) James Musinguzi the Executive Director Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said that in order to change people’s attitudes and  mindsets towards wildlife conservation action he  wants  to reduce on the number of children who have been travelling long distances  from up country areas coming to UWEC Entebbe Zoo for these same animals.

“Because they have been creating a lot of congestions  at the zoo so the current capacity was being exceeded and we were not satisfying them in terms of quality conservation education and now we are starting to regionalize so that we can bring services closer to the people  but also promote tourism as sector number two of the sectors that are going to propel the economy to ten times by 2040 the  tenfold growth strategy” Dr. James Musinguzi pointed out.

Among the animals already transferred to the new facility are lions, a zebra, a waterbuck, an ostrich, and peacocks. According to UWA, the animals are adapting well to their new environment as final preparations continue ahead of the center’s opening to the public.

The Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre is expected to play a major role in conservation education, research, and public awareness, particularly for communities in Eastern Uganda that have had limited access to wildlife education and learning facilities.

Bashir Hangi the UWA Head of Communications said that the regional centre is aimed at strengthening conservation efforts while bringing wildlife experiences and environmental education closer to the people.

“The regional Wildlife Conservation Education Centre will bring conservation education closer to communities, provide opportunities for learning and research, enhance greater appreciation of wildlife, and inspire more Ugandans to participate in conservation efforts,” Hangi said.

The initiative aligns with UWA’s broader strategy of increasing public participation in wildlife conservation while expanding access to environmental education across the country. The facility is expected to provide an important platform for students, researchers, and tourists to learn about Uganda’s rich biodiversity without travelling to far tourist centers like Entebbe.

“The new zoo will boost domestic tourism in Eastern Uganda and create economic opportunities for surrounding communities through increased visitor traffic and related business activities” Hangi added. As preparations continue ahead of the official launch, UWA has pledged to provide regular updates on the animal translocation process and the arrival of additional wildlife species.

The June 12 opening is expected to mark a new chapter in Uganda’s conservation education efforts by bringing wildlife closer to communities and promoting a stronger culture of environmental stewardship across the region.