China donates computers to UWA

TOURISM   DIPLOMACY 

The Chinese Government donated 8 computers to Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to boost the organisations' conservation efforts. While handing them over to the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu at the Ministry headquarters, the Deputy Ambassador of China to Uganda Chen Huixin appreciated the work being done.

"Protecting the environment and promoting ecosystem development is a shared responsibility where everyone should play a role," stressed HE Huixin. "As people of China, we know the progress you have made in the recovery of wildlife numbers, therefore this donation is our gesture of support towards UWA's efforts in wildlife conservation in Uganda".

Adding that relations between China and Uganda are currently at their best with his government supporting several ongoing government projects in Uganda besides the Chinese citizen investing in various manufacturing and construction businesses in order to develop the economy.

He promised to strengthen the existing ties between Uganda and China through offering training to Ugandans in wildlife protection and enhancing harmonious living between the people and wildlife.

Minister Kamuntu expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy for handing over the computers to UWA saying that the donation will immensely help UWA in its conservation efforts.

"The Uganda transformation agenda is fuelled by Chinese support besides historically the struggle for independence being inspired by the Chinese experience," said Kamuntu. "We look to China for lessons to develop our own country; we need to learn from the Chinese so that we can get out of poverty like China did"

Tipping UWA Kamuntu said the People's Republic of China is a valuable friend of Uganda whose embracing of the use of modern technology, such as drones and helicopters, to monitor parks should be emulated.

"This is the way to protect Uganda's natural resources against illicit trade, encroachment and the pressure to de-gazette protected areas, " noted Kamuntu. "Uganda is exceptionally endowed with natural assets and they should be conserved."

The UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha concurred saying that the donation comes in handy to facilitate UWA's digitisation process since the organization already has a deficit of computers.

"China last year offered training to UWA staff in cities (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) management and that more will be going for training. He also revealed that a Chinese company is interested in investing in the treasured Murchison National Park and is ready to sell the destination among Chinese."