news 23 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda and Australia Deepen Ties Through Wildlife Conservation and Ecotourism Partnership
Uganda and Australia are set to enhance their collaboration in wildlife conservation, environmental education, and sustainable tourism following a significant visit by an Australian delegation to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-australia-forge-strategic-alliance-in-wildlife-conservation-eco-tourism-5470774
A strategic alliance aimed at bolstering wildlife conservation, environmental education, and eco-tourism has been forged between Uganda and Australia. This partnership follows an insightful visit by a delegation of Australian tourism professionals, tour operators, and media to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe. The trip, part of a 10-day familiarization tour, seeks to position Uganda as a prime eco-tourism destination for the Australian market.
High Commissioner to Australia, Dorothy Samali Hyuha, who led the delegation, highlighted the growing importance of conservation in international relations. “Conservation is becoming one of the strongest languages of international cooperation,” Hyuha stated, emphasizing its role in building trust and fostering long-term global partnerships beyond traditional tourism.
The strengthened cooperation will involve active support for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts, joint research initiatives, technical training, and the development of educational programs. Early outcomes include the donation of a specialized wildlife rescue vehicle to UWEC by an Australian partner, which is already in use for field operations.
During their visit, the Australian delegates explored UWEC’s rescue facilities, interacted with veterinary staff, and participated in hands-on activities such as animal feeding and symbolic naming ceremonies. These immersive experiences were described as transformative, shifting the focus from simple sightseeing to meaningful engagement with wildlife welfare, aligning with evolving global travel preferences for experiential and conscious tourism.
This collaboration is expected to significantly benefit Uganda by tapping into the Australian market’s increasing demand for ethical and sustainable tourism practices. Uganda’s High Commission in Canberra plans to continue leveraging “conservation diplomacy” as a key strategy for expanding bilateral ties in education, research, and tourism.