Famous Mexican TV Star returns to Uganda for Wildlife advocacy

KAMPALA - Arturo Islas Allende, a Mexican philanthropist, producer and television show host, is slated to return to Uganda on May 7, to shoot and broadcast a live TV show aimed at advocating for conservation, wildlife protection and sustainable tourism promotion.

With a career spanning audio-visual production, environmental education and advocacy, Arturo has shed light on wildlife and illegal species trafficking, becoming the most influential voice in nature protection across Latin America.

Beyond his advocacy, the famous Mexican TV star is recognised for his ability to communicate critical wildlife issues through documentaries, social media and conferences.

During his visit to Uganda in November 2023, Arturo met President Yoweri Museveni, who reiterated Uganda's commitment to working with any positive-minded person who is willing to help the country achieve its socio-economic transformation agenda.

President Museveni further implored Arturo to promote Uganda as a desired tourism destination. Some of his videos shot at Entebbe Zoo in 2023 remain the highest-rated and viewed across his media platforms.

The Mexican TV star having fun with a local dancing group in Bwindi, South Western Uganda during his last visit. (Courtesy Photos)

Martin Mugarra, the minister of state for tourism, has repeatedly expressed Uganda's commitment to using every legitimate avenue to conserve its biodiversity and promote tourism, underscoring the fact that the country's tourism products are primarily wildlife and nature-based.

Whereas Arturo has been hosted in other African countries, his love for Uganda remains deeply entrenched. 

"Uganda is largely endowed with nature's grandeur. As I plan to go around filming every aspect of the wildlife in the protected areas, I also wish to start a fundraising campaign for a big animal clinic in Uganda, especially in one of the national parks," Arturo revealed to New Vision during a telephone interview.

Fanny Martinez, the chief executive officer for Back to the Source- a sustainable travel company which coordinates Arturo's visit to Uganda, said the TV star will spend 23 days in the Pearl of Africa. 

Arturo at the Reptile Village in Entebbe.

"With a 10-member crew, Arturo will, among others, film the shoebill stork in Mabamba wetland, visit Ngamba chimpanzee island, Entebbe zoo and the reptile village before heading out to the national parks," Martinez revealed.

The Mexican TV star will also visit Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Bwindi National Parks.

 Dr. James Musinguzi, the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), has approved the free entrance to all the desired protected areas, including complimentary gorilla-tracking permits to Arturo and all his crew members.

The UWA boss also approved the use of cameras by the crew within the mentioned protected areas, in return asking the team to share part of the footage with the authority, to be used in marketing Uganda as a viable tourism destination. 

Arturo intimated that the intended show will be the first of its kind to be shot and acted live in the field. 

"And all the footage filmed will be available to Uganda's Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, free to be broadcast by any television in Uganda to promote conservation and sustainable tourism," Arturo assured.

Arturo at Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary during his visit to Uganda in 2023.

About Arturo

Arturo Islas Allende is a prominent figure in the world of content creation. His impact on conservation has earned him multiple awards, including Sol de Oro- the world's oldest environmental advocacy prize awarded by the International Environmental Film Festival. 

He received the award for his documentary on the Vaquita marina, which highlights the critical endangerment of the species and presents potential solutions to save it.

One of his most significant achievements was the rescue of the Asian elephant named 'Big Boy', which had endured over 30 years in a circus before being relocated to Santuario Ostok in Sinaloa, an animal refugee settlement in Mexico that Arturo helped to establish. 

He is also reported to have played a crucial role in exposing and rescuing big cats reportedly suffering in deplorable conditions at the failed Black Jaguar-White tiger sanctuary, prompting authorities to intervene and relocate the animals to appropriate facilities in 2022.

Arturo (left), Fanny Martinez of Back to the Source Tours (centre) meeting President Museveni in 2023. (Courtesy Photo)

Another emblematic case in his fight for animal welfare was the rescue of the African elephant named Annie, which had been chained between trailers in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco in Mexico, without access to basic living conditions. 

Through media pressure and negotiations, he secured the elephant's release and transfer to a safer environment. 

He remains dedicated to creating innovative projects aimed at securing the future of wildlife, proving that meaningful change can be achieved through action and collective awareness.