Guard treasures for tourism's sake

TOURISM|UWEC 

The zoo still offers the best treat for a family and offers them: a learning opportunity about wildlife, viewing the animals and supplementing those who cannot afford to go to their habitat because of either financial or physical challenges.

"Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC) is a form of nature museum with living exhibits," said the CEO James Musinguzi. "We have widened the tangible exhibits lately with the tiger to amuse Ugandans, serve research/education besides preserving the species."

This was on December 3, during the official unveiling of the partition where the tigers are exhibited. 

Initially, the new big cats were hesitant to move out of their iron cage. It took the sweet voice and chunks of beef to lure them to pace in the compound lightly. 

Later their roar sent the hairs and ears on the other animals standing edge.

"The rock with water flowing in a pool," explained Musinguzi. "It is the closest to the natural habitat of tigers that love climbing and swimming longer distances than seven kilometers."

The minister of state for tourism Geoffrey Kiwanda urged Ugandans to be patriotic, peace loving and learn to co-exist if the tourism industry is to regain its supremacy.

"All the gains we have made for decades can be shattered in a week if the citizens do not treasure it," cautioned Kiwanda. 

"Journalists should mind the picture they portray when writing stories. The law keepers should protect the citizens professionally. But the people should also abide by the law."

Kiwanda said no effort is being spared by the government to revive tourism that continues to be crippled by the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.

"The good news is that our parks are now open but on condition that you adhere to the Structural Operating Procedures (SOPs,)" stressed Kiwanda. "We are in the process of packaging tourism to the preference of the domestic tourist. That is why Eddy Kenzo has become the tourism ambassador of Uganda."

He promised Ugandan tourism packages to the parks with performers, poetry, wine and food.

"This Christmas should be themed appreciating wildlife," said Kiwanda. "See your totems in the wilderness. Appreciate the birds, reptiles, and plants. These and peace are what make Uganda the Pearl of Africa."