Summary:
- RDC Mwesigye emphasized the need to mitigate climate change to protect future generations of wildlife, including chimpanzees, from threats like habitat destruction.
KANUNGU: The Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Ambrose Mwesigye has urged Ugandans to prioritize wetland restoration, prevent deforestation, and promote the afforestation of indigenous trees to safeguard the environment.
RDC Mwesigye made these remarks while flagging off and leading a procession from the Park Entrance Gate to the Uganda Nursing School Bwindi (UNSB), covering three kilometers to mark World Gorilla Day. The event, held on September 24, 2024, took place at the school’s playground in Buhoma Town Council, Kanungu District.
He emphasized the need to mitigate climate change to protect future generations of wildlife, including chimpanzees, from threats like habitat destruction.
Nelson Guma, Chief Warden of Bwindi-Mgahinga Impenetrable National Park, noted that the population of mountain gorillas has shifted from critically endangered to endangered a significant achievement under the theme “Celebrating the Success of Mountain Gorillas in Uganda” and the tagline “Promoting Gorilla Conservation in Partnership with Communities and Stakeholders.”
He stressed that the success of gorilla conservation is a result of strong partnerships among the Uganda Wildlife Authority, international bodies, conservation NGOs, local governments, and communities.
Guma reported that Bwindi has been home to 459 individual gorillas since 2018, contributing to a total population of 1,063 across their range.
“With 113 gorilla births recorded, the outlook for the species is positive, and preparations for a new gorilla census are underway later this year,” he said.
He proudly announced that no gorillas had contracted COVID-19 during the pandemic, emphasizing the biological connection between humans and chimpanzees.
Guma also highlighted the economic benefits of gorilla conservation, particularly through revenue-sharing from tourism, which directly supports local communities.
“With rising tariffs, funds from gorilla tourism will increase, significantly contributing to Uganda’s GDP and creating jobs. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, generates over 60% of the tourism revenue that supports the operations of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), contributing 7.7% to Uganda’s GDP,” he noted.
Lawrence Zikusoka, representing Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Conservation through Public Health (CTPH), reminded the audience that the future of gorillas is closely linked to the health of the planet.
“As we continue to face challenges such as climate change, habitat loss, and disease, we must strengthen our resolve to protect gorillas and the communities that co-exist with them,” she said.
She emphasized the need for collaboration in conservation, education, and health to ensure that these magnificent creatures thrive for generations to come.
Pre-event activities, including student quizzes organized by CTPH, aimed to sensitize the younger generation about the impact of gorillas in the world, with prizes awarded to the winners.
Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, Runanda District LC5 Chairperson, urged UWA and the government to gazette Echuya Forest for gorilla tracking.
He called for revenue-sharing funds to be allocated in percentages rather than in dollars and criticized the influence of politics in the tourism sector, which he believes undermines government programs aimed at community development.
However, Kasyaba acknowledged the significant role tourism plays in regional growth.
Rukundo Joshua, District Councillor for Nyanga Sub-County and Chairperson for Production, Natural Resources, and Trade, commended both the local community and UWA for their conservation efforts.
He called upon development partners to support bamboo planting along the Munyaga River and praised tourism’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving the quality of life in Bwindi.
Rukundo also emphasized the importance of waste management and recycling initiatives to make Buhoma the cleanest town council.
Bashaija Moses, LC III of Buhoma Town Council, requested the government and stakeholders of Bwindi National Park to establish a craft village to support local artisans.
He also called for the tarmacking of the Kanyantorogo-Buhoma road to further boost tourism.
Dr. Keryman, founder of Bwindi Hospital and Nursing School, shared success stories of improved livelihoods in Bwindi and Kanungu.
He highlighted the potential of Bwindi Nursing School to become Uganda’s leading institution.
Tumusiime Stephen, representing BMCT, urged enhanced welfare for communities surrounding the National Park to curb poaching.
Kasasira Amos, initiator of the Kayonza Community Cultural Restoration project, expressed pride in Bwindi’s status as the “Home of Gorillas” and celebrated Kayonza’s unique contribution to tourism, which supports local livelihoods.
According to Mwajuma Twaha Adams, the Kanungu District Communications Officer, over 47 organizations and individuals were awarded certificates of recognition for their contributions to gorilla conservation during the event.
“Traditional performances by local groups and schools added vibrancy to the celebration, underscoring the rich cultural and ecological heritage of the region,” she said.
She added, “Through sustained collaborative efforts, the Bwindi gorilla tourism sector and the global tourism industry are set to flourish for generations to come.”
