Karuma rolls out sh79m wildlife revenue-sharing projects

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Karuma town council in Kiryandongo district has officially launched three development projects funded under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) revenue-sharing programme, worth shillings 79 million.

During the launch at the town council headquarters, town clerk Edith Kafuko said the funds are earmarked for constructing five VIP public toilets, opening a 3.2-kilometre labour-based community access road valued at shillings 15 million, and procuring over 62 goats to support community livelihoods.

“These projects reflect our commitment to using UWA revenue to uplift the standards of living in communities neighbouring wildlife reserves,” Kafuko said.

Rethink investment decisions

Kiryandongo chief administrative officer (CAO), Anselm Kyaligonza, urged residents and leaders to consider investing UWA funds in long-term infrastructure such as administrative buildings.



“When you go to Buliisa district, you see the UWA signature at a secondary school. They are even painting it in UWA colours,” Kyaligonza remarked. “But how many of you will paint the goats with UWA colours? Some of you will eat the goats in a year. We need to change our mindset.”

He challenged the town council leadership to consider using future disbursements to construct permanent offices. “Since 2004, UWA has been releasing funds. Where is the evidence? Let’s think long-term — imagine having Karuma Town Council offices with a plaque that says: This was built with UWA support.”

Kyaligonza also warned contractors against substandard work. He urged Translink, the firm implementing the construction projects, to maintain quality and transparency.

“We must ignite the value of this money,” he added, calling on district engineer Joseph Candia to ensure that timelines and quality standards are upheld.

Emmanuel Okello, a community conservation ranger attached to Karuma Wildlife Reserve in Murchison Falls National Park, echoed the concerns. He noted that while UWA has allocated funds to communities since 2004, the visible impact has often been lacking due to delays and poor implementation.

“UWA is committed to giving back 20% of gate collections from tourism as corporate social responsibility,” Okello said. “It’s now up to the communities to take ownership and ensure this money brings real change.”

Meanwhile, Resident District Commissioner Dan Muganga commended UWA for its continued support of communities bordering protected areas, emphasising the importance of such partnerships in promoting conservation and development.