UWEC challenged to switch gears

PIC: UWEC executive director James Musinguzi (left) and tourism minister Ephraim Kamuntu

TOURISM | WILDLIFE

Minister of tourism, wildlife and antiquities Ephraim Kamuntu has challenged the new board of directors for Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) to exploit every existing opportunity to generate income and attract more visitors.

"Finish what your predecessors started like the floating hotel," he said.

"Diversify the profile of your visitors by adding a research center and a conservation college here."

Tourism is the biggest global trade and waiting to be tapped, added the minister.

"Travellers want something new besides Masaai Mara  in Africa. And UWEC, with 72 acres of land and Lake Victoria, has the potential to provide an option."

This was while handing over certificates to the outgoing team at UWEC headquarters recently.

"Open up other centers so that people from Karamoja or Moyo do not have to travel all the way to Entebbe to see what you have in store."

He cautioned this while handing over the mantle to the new chairperson Flavia Kahabenda and her team comprising of: Benon Katumba, Geofrey Bigogo, Dr. Patrick Atimnedi, Goerge Owesigire, Dr. Kedrace Turyagenda and James Musinguzi.

"This is no mean task ahead of you," said Kamuntu. Tourists will pay any amount of money to get close to a lion, rhino or cheetah."

In her acceptance speech, the new chairperson Kabahenda called upon all the stakeholders to give them the necessary support if they are to brave the hurdles in their way.