Wildlife conservation awareness campaign off to a good start

By Esther Namirimu

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has started a wildlife and culture conservation awareness campaign through essay writing competition among secondary schools held at the National Museum.

Eighteen students from different schools participated in the first essay writing competition and Kitante Hill School emerged the overall winner. Gayaza High school emerged second best.Other schools that participated include: MK Crown Academy, Makerere Modern High and Crown High.

Dr. Andrew Seguya, Executive Director of UWA argued that wildlife conservation is very important because it earns one of the biggest revenue for the government.

“Youths are very important in conserving wildlife resources because they are the future of tomorrow, therefore you should respect your heritage and totems,” he advised.

He also advised the youths to start up wildlife conservation clubs, hold debating clubs on wildlife and also participate in more activities that promote wildlife conservation reading more about wildlife and talking to fellow youth about it.

You have seen news items about wildlife being killed in communities but people need to know that people can leave harmoniously with wildlife.

“You need to be examples to the communities by advocating for climate conservation through tree planting and fight the cutting down of trees,” he added.

Youths need knowledge through activities like the essay writing competition to create awareness in communities. People need to know that wildlife reacts depending on the way you treat them, therefore nature and wildlife need respect.

Seguya also pointed out the major issues affecting wildlife conservation include population growth. He cited an example of Bududa landslides were as a result of people degrading the Mountain Elgon. If the population was manageable people would not encroach on the mountains.
Seguya promised to take the students who participated in competition to any national park of  their choice.