Mbale Zoo Marks A New Era for Ex-Situ Wildlife Conservation In Uganda
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Uganda’s conservation and tourism landscape has taken a notable step forward with the official launch of the Mbale Zoo, an ex-situ wildlife conservation facility set to strengthen education, research, tourism and community engagement in Eastern Uganda.
The launch ceremony was presided over by the Vice President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo, representing H.E. the President of Uganda gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Her presence underscored Government’s continued prioritisation of wildlife conservation and tourism as key pillars of national development.
Vice President Alupo was flanked by the State Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities Susan Nsambu Nakawuki, Board Chair, members and top leadership from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, legislators including area Member of Parliament Lydia Wanyoto, Traditional leaders led by the Umukuuka of Bugisu and representatives from the conservation and tourism sectors.
Often described as a “second home” to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) model outside Entebbe, the Mbale Zoo is expected to bring conservation experiences closer to communities. The facility will support conservation education, expand public awareness of Uganda’s biodiversity, provide new research opportunities and reduce the distance travelled by citizens and visitors seeking to experience iconic wildlife species.
It is also expected to boost domestic tourism, stimulate infrastructure development within Mbale City and support the decentralisation of conservation services across the country. In addition, the facility will contribute to job creation and broaden tourism-linked economic opportunities in the region.
Following the Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) reforms, UWEC now operates under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) as part of its Community and Ex-situ Conservation function. The Mbale facility, developed on land allocated through collaboration with the former National Forestry Authority, currently occupies part of a 60-acre allocation, with plans for future expansion to support growing conservation needs.
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Director of the Uganda wildlife authority Dr. James Musinguzi described the Mbale Zoo as a strategic milestone in shifting conservation closer to communities.
Dr Musinguzi noted that UWEC has long been recognised as a leading wildlife education, rehabilitation and conservation centre in the region and said the Mbale initiative represents the beginning of a broader decentralised conservation network, with similar facilities envisioned for Gulu, Kyenjojo, and Mbarara.
“When animals are brought closer to people, communities develop a sense of attachment to them, which in turn creates a desire to conserve them,” Dr. Musinguzi said.
He further reaffirmed tourism as a central pillar in Uganda’s Tenfold Growth Strategy, noting that the sector continues to offer significant opportunities for employment, enterprise development and value addition through tourism services such as accommodation, food and guided experiences.
The UWA Board Chairperson, Prof. James Kalema, described the Mbale Zoo as a strong symbol of Government’s commitment to conservation education and inclusive tourism development. He highlighted that for nearly eight decades, Uganda had relied on a single major wildlife education centre in Entebbe and said the Mbale facility marks a turning point in expanding access to conservation experiences.
He also encouraged Ugandans to take advantage of initiatives promoting domestic tourism, including the annual free park entry window for selected national parks.
“The Board continues to promote public access to conservation spaces, including a three-day free park entry window that allows Ugandans to visit selected national parks at no cost. This year’s window will be announced in due course,” Prof. Kalema said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Doreen Katusiime (mrs), represented by the Wildlife Officer in charge of Monitoring Mr. Kijjambu Charles, emphasised the facility’s dual role as both a tourism attraction and a regional wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. The PS Katusiime reiterated Government’s commitment to strengthening community awareness as a foundation for effective conservation.
“When people understand the value of wildlife and its importance to their livelihoods, they become custodians rather than spectators and users,” she said.
In her remarks, the State Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nsambu Nakawuki, welcomed the launch as a transformative step in expanding Uganda’s conservation footprint beyond traditional boundaries.
She noted that the Mbale Zoo aligns with Government’s vision of making conservation more accessible, participatory and directly linked to community livelihoods.
“This facility represents a new chapter in how we bring conservation closer to the people. It is about education, opportunity and shared responsibility for our natural heritage. We are committed to ensuring that tourism growth translates into jobs, research advancement and stronger community participation in conservation,” she said.
The Vice President, Jessica Alupo, delivering the official address on behalf of H.E. the President, commended the initiative as a practical demonstration of Government’s commitment to integrating conservation with economic transformation.
She noted that the Mbale Zoo reflects a broader national agenda of expanding tourism products, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening Uganda’s position as a competitive global tourism destination.
As Uganda advances its economic growth agenda, the establishment of the Mbale Zoo stands as a clear example of how conservation, when strategically invested in, can simultaneously drive environmental protection, community empowerment, and national prosperity.
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