Leaders welcome reptile zoo

By Josephine Maseruka Local and opinion leaders of Nangabo sub-county, Wakiso district have unanimously supported the establishment of a reptile zoo and amusement centre in Kasangati. The proprietor of the zoo, Mr. Smith Ewa Maku, told a meeting of elders and local leaders last week that the investment would provide emploment to the youth and other people. The centre is expected to be the first of its kind in East and Central Africa. The area MP, Ssitenda Ssebalu, the Kasangati OC Police, ASP Alex Ojambo and LC officials, attended the meeting. Maku, however, warned residents against trapping reptiles especially snakes saying that Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), had to give a license to anyone before trapping the reptiles. He said the zoo would develop and attract tourists to the area besides targeting education institutions for nature and medicine studies. Regarding residents concerns over their safety with a reptile zoo in their vicinity, the project consultant, Anat Dari, said the reptiles would be kept on a snakeproof 10-acre zoo.