By Taddeo Bwambale

Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent arrived in Uganda last Thursday ahead of the Golden Jubilee celebrations scheduled for Tuesday.

Shortly after arrival, the Duke travelled to Masindi district on a tour of projects by Soft Power Education (SPE), a British-funded charity.

He was hosted to a luncheon, with the British High Commissioner, Alison Blackburne and other district leaders at Masindi Hotel, which is Uganda’s oldest, having been opened in 1923.

The Duke, who is on a five-day visit to Uganda, toured an exhibition of photos, literature and artifacts showcasing Murchison Falls National Park at the hotel.

Hannah Small, a founder and trustee of the project, said it aimed at helping local communities appreciate and preserve their environment. She said the Duke appreciated the conservation efforts at the park he had last visited 50 years ago.

“He noted that despite some struggles, the population of wild animals in the park had increased,” she stated.

Murchison Falls is Uganda’s largest national park and is home to lions, giraffes, chimpanzees, hippos and more than 450 species of birds.

SPE runs three programmes in Buliisa district, among which include the Conservation Education Community Outreach Programme and the Murchison Memories Museum Exhibition.

The Duke will attend a reception hosted by the British High Commissioner on Sunday.

On Tuesday, the Duke will attend the Golden Jubilee celebrations at Kololo, an event he presided over 50 years ago when he handed over the instruments of power to the then Prime Minister, Milton Obote. The Duke will be celebrating his 77th birthday.