MoU Signing Between the Ministry and Chimpanzee Trust

The Permanent Secretary Mrs. Doreen Katusiime Signing the MoU

The Permanent Secretary Mrs. Doreen Katusiime of the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities and the Executive Director, Dr. Joshua Rukundo of Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (Chimpanzee Trust) formalized their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony at the Ministry Headquarters, Rwenzori Towers.

Executive Director, Dr. Joshua Rukundo of Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust

As the Ministry fulfills its mandate in policy development, licensing, international interventions, monitoring, and evaluation of wildlife conservation sector policies and legislations, the Chimpanzee Trust is dedicated to the sustainable conservation of chimpanzees in their natural habitats and providing optimal care for those unable to survive in the wild.

This Memorandum of Understanding recognizes the vital ecological and economic roles that chimpanzees play, roles that are increasingly threatened by human activities such as habitat encroachment, fragmentation, degradation, destruction, unsustainable harvesting, trade, and other threats.

Acknowledging the longstanding relationship between the Ministry and the Chimpanzee Trust, this MoU aims to strengthen cooperation to maximize synergy and promote wildlife conservation and tourism development in Uganda. This will champion and enhance species welfare and conservation.

The parties to this Memorandum commit to cooperating in areas of chimpanzee conservation, ecosystem management and protection, environmental education and awareness, tourism development, and resource mobilization.

The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities will raise funds for the implementation of mutually agreed-upon projects, programs, and initiatives, subject to government allocations and appropriations by Parliament. In collaboration with the Ministry, the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Wildlife Conservation Trust (Chimpanzee Trust) will initiate, develop, and implement these projects, programs, and initiatives to fulfill the objectives outlined in this Memorandum of Understanding.