UWEC to open several branches in the country

Nov 02, 2018

“As more towns get city status soon, it is ideal to open up similar branches for easier access,” said Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Ephraim Kamuntu.

WILDLIFE

KAMPALA- Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) is due to open several other branches in different parts of the country to effectively spread the conservation gospel to the public which is often conflicting with nature.

"As more towns get city status soon, it is ideal to open up similar branches for easier access," said Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Ephraim Kamuntu.

"One will not have to travel all the way from Arua or Moroto to see mammals, reptiles, birds or herbs Uganda is endowed with."

This was revealed at the Sheraton Hotel while announcing James Musinguzi as the winner of the stiffly contested executive director of UWEC .

"If we are to salvage our endangered wildlife from extinction and encroaching there is need to sensitise the public to live amicably with nature," stressed Kamuntu. "This can only be done if the love for nature is inculcated in our children."

Adding that, politicians are in the habit of politicizing encroachment issues in swamps, forests and poaching when garnering support during election time.

"UWEC it is your duty to tell the world that everything is on earth for a purpose," stressed Kamuntu. "It is because we tampered with it that effects of climate change comprising of : floods, droughts and altered weather patterns occur."

The UWEC board chair person Flavia Kahabenda agreed that they are braced for the challenges and are determined to triple the number of visitors received annually.

"I know Musinguzi with his work ethics will deliver UWEC to the desired destination," said Kahabenda. "The selection was stiffly contested and he emerged the best."

Musinguzi said taking reptiles, mammals and birds to display to the public has proven so costly and a team of animal care takers have been trained to put up other centers in different parts of the country.

"We have not been idle but thinking round the clock," said Musinguzi. "UWEC is partnering with other zoos to provide research services besides being a place of entertaining the public. Our float restaurant is near completion."

 

 

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});