Minister Urges Ugandans to Explore Local Wildlife Beyond National Parks

State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Nakawuki, has called for a broader exploration of Uganda’s tourism potential, urging citizens to discover wildlife experiences beyond the confines of traditional national parks and game reserves.

Her remarks came during a visit to the Conservation Through Community (CTC) Conservation Centre in Lukalu, Butambala District. Located a short distance from Mpigi Town and accessible from Kampala, the CTC centre offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with wildlife in a setting closer to the capital.

The centre boasts a diverse collection of animals, including lions, giraffes, zebras, lemurs, snakes, crocodiles, and tigers. Notably, it is also home to a rare zonkey, a hybrid of a zebra and a donkey.

During her visit, Minister Nakawuki actively participated in conservation activities, feeding various animals and having close encounters. She described the experience as memorable and extended an invitation to all Ugandans to explore the rich tapestry of tourism experiences their country provides.

Minister Nakawuki commended CTC proprietor Thomas Price for establishing an innovative conservation model that bridges the gap between communities and wildlife. She highlighted such private and community-led initiatives as vital for promoting conservation, fostering partnerships, and contributing to the growth of Uganda’s tourism sector through education and responsible interaction.

Plans are underway for CTC to expand its conservancy area, with a vision to potentially establish an elephant sanctuary. The centre’s operations are centered on educational tours and guided interactions, aiming to cultivate appreciation for nature, particularly among younger generations.

“It is an experience that stays with you forever, especially for children,” noted Price, underscoring the impact of direct, supervised wildlife encounters. He emphasized that these experiences are crucial for building conservation awareness.

The CTC Conservation Centre represents a growing trend in Uganda’s tourism landscape, where private and community efforts are increasingly contributing to wildlife conservation and visitor experiences. This initiative demonstrates that Uganda’s biodiversity attractions extend beyond its famed parks and reserves.

This initiative highlights that Uganda’s wildlife tourism extends beyond its famous national parks and game reserves, with private and community-based conservation spaces playing an increasingly important role in the sector. https://nilepost.co.ug/news/359432/minister-nakawuki-calls-on-ugandans-to-discover-local-wildlife-experiences-at-ctc-conservation-centre