Domestic tourism keeps Mburo NP busy

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In anticipation of the upcoming World Wildlife Day celebrations on March 3, 2024, the tourism ministry is launching an aggressive campaign aimed at promoting conservation, fostering co-existence and positioning Uganda as the top destination for holidaymakers and adventurers.

“This marks the start of a series of activities designed to raise public awareness about the opportunities and attractions available within our own borders. Keep your economic opportunities radar on high alert as nature-based tourism attractions begin to recover. Whether you choose to be part of the merry-making or offer services for a fee, there’s potential for everyone to profit,” urged Minister Tom Butime. 

“Tourists are spending considerable sums to travel long distances to experience what we have to offer. Journalists, influencers, and tour operators, let’s work together to maintain Uganda’s status as the Pearl of Africa in the eyes of potential travelers.”

During a recent familiarisation tour of the Western Cluster, journalists were treated to a visit to Lake Mburo National Park, where the population of Rothschild’s giraffes has grown to 110 after being translocated from Murchison Falls National Park.

Tour vans, cyclists, and nature walkers were spotted capturing images of the giraffes, as they spread their long legs to drink water or lick the soil.

“Just like fingerprints, each animal here has a unique composition, color, and shade,” Uganda Wildlife Authority ranger/guide Allen Kenzarwa said. 

“The pregnant giraffes carry their young for 15 months, and shortly after birth, the calves begin to stagger on their long legs. These animals are provided maximum protection due to their lethal back kicks, which have been known to kill lions and hyenas.”

Kenzarwa highlighted that Lake Mburo is one of the world’s wonders, where various wildlife species coexist harmoniously for survival. In this unique ecosystem, zebras, giraffes, dik-diks, and wild pigs share grazing areas and water points. The park is home to over 300 bird species, many of which can be heard tweeting or nesting in the trees.

“During a boat ride, be cautious with your hands near the water. You risk losing a finger—or worse—if you’re not careful,” cautioned Kenzarwa. “As for the AK47 I carry, it’s for your safety. If an animal charges, we may need to fire warning shots into the air to deter it.”

The park’s undergrowth is teeming with snakes, insects, and lizards, adding to the thrilling biodiversity. However, the region has also seen the rise of the Ankole cow herding culture as a key tourist attraction. The Ankole cows, which are exported to countries like South Africa and Kenya for rearing, have a fascinating history of survival through droughts and diseases.

(Credit: Titus Kakembo)

“Communities depend on these cows, both financially and culturally,” shared the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Eunice Tworekirwe. “Wars were fought over these prized animals by our ancestors, and they’ve played a role in uniting families, particularly through dowry exchanges. Today, the cow serves as a form of traditional insurance.”

Eunice continued, “Many of us owe our livelihoods to the milk, beef, and hides of these cows. Is it any surprise that the centrepiece of the Igongo Cultural Centre and Mbarara City is the cow?”

The challenge now lies in motivating local communities to preserve the iconic Ankole cow, which is rapidly being replaced by crossbreeds that yield higher quantities of milk. The task is to balance commercial interest with conservation, ensuring the survival of this legendary animal for future generations.