There were 21 kilometres between them and glory. The catch was that they were supposed to walk or run for 21 kilometres while carrying a bag weighing 22 kg. This was part of the 21-kilometre Ranger Challenge on Saturday morning in Murchison Falls National Park. 

A group of rangers from Kidepo National Park were pitted against two others from Murchison Falls National Park and Queen National Park. They were supposed to move and accomplish the mission without leaving their team members behind. 

Pakuba Airstrip in Murchison Falls National Park witnessed the groups of contesting rangers. They were also accompanied by conservation-leaning corporations or the private sector that deals in the hospitality industry. The diplomats led by the British High Commission also participated. 

The proverbial light drizzle that is associated with good luck in most African cultures also came. It looked like the 21-kilometre Ranger Challenge between Pakuba and the Delta had been blessed by divine powers. 

After some time, the rangers made their way across the wild landscape that is blessed with the highest concentration of mammals, including elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and hippos. The delta area is also referred to as the Buligi Tourism Sector and is also popular with game drives. 

"We have done it," said Silver Ekwilu, UWA’s ranger from Kidepo, adding that it was not easy, but they are passionate about conservation, and that is why they could not give up even when they were straining to reach the finishing line at the delta. 

"Congratulations to team Kidepo: After trekking for 21 kilometres while carrying 22 kilogrammes of gear, Kidepo Valley National Park are the champions of the 2023 Wildlife Rangers Challenge," stated Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) in a statement. 

Murchison came second, and Queen Elizabeth National Park was third, according to UWA, which organised the event together with the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF). 

Michael Keigwin, the Founder Trustee and Project Lead of UCF, was the mobilizer of the 21-kilometre Ranger Challenge together with Tusks East Africa. 

"The Wildlife Ranger Challenge is the world’s largest celebration of solidarity, support, and fundraising for the ranger profession," stated the website of the Ranger Challenge 2023. 

It also stated that more than 100 teams of rangers spanning the African continent will compete in a series of challenges through June and September, culminating in a coordinated 21-kilometre race across their respective protected areas on September 16, 2023. 

Also, the Rangers Challenge encouraged donations to secure vital funding and connected virtual race participants around the world to run with Africa’s biodiversity guardians. 

UWA’s executive director, Sam Mwandha, and Tom Okello, who is the executive director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), highlighted the contribution of UWA’s partners, particularly UCF. Charles Tumwesigye, the deputy director of field operations at UWA, also addressed the congregation at the delta before trophies were handed over to the winning teams. 

"The rangers’ challenge has helped us raise US$20,000," said Keigwin, adding that they were expecting more contributions and that this is likely to get to $100,000.