By Isaac Kalembe

A GORILLA has taken charge of security at the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) headquarters in Kampala.

The sculpture was unveiled by premier Apolo Nsibambi while commissioning the Kamwokya-based sh4b four-storeyed complex, named the Mt. Gorilla Nest, on Friday.

The 18”x12” bronze sculpture, is a representation of a silverbuck (a fully-grown adult male of a mountain gorilla species).

Designed by artist Bart Walter, the obelisk is a gift from the Washington-based African Wildlife Foundation to the people of Uganda “for their commitment to Mt. Gorilla Conservation and in recognition of their work of International Gorilla Conservation Programme.”

Nsibambi, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, said the Government was committed to restoring the country’s position as the number one tourism destination in Africa.

He also launched the new UWA corporate image, including the organisation’s bi-annual The Wildlife Link newsletter, uniform and flag.

Nsibambi said the Government was committed to conserving nature, wildlife and the environment.

He said wildlife-based tourism was now a leading foreign exchange earner, having earned Uganda over $200m in 2004 compared to $113m in 2002.

Speaking in an unusually baritone voice that sent the audience into laughter, Nsibambi assured tourists of security, citing the recently-established 650-strong tourism protection force.

He said there was a 62% rise in tourists coming to Uganda.