The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) recently launched Open Park Days, allowing Ugandans to access Queen Elizabeth National Park free of charge. The event, which took place from 25th to 27th September, aimed to give people an opportunity to experience the park's wildlife and natural beauty. Residents of Kanungu district visited the Ishasha sector in the southern part of the park, one of its notable wildlife areas. This initiative allowed locals to connect with the wildlife and appreciate its beauty.
According to Eric Ndorere, Chief Executive Officer of SaveWildlife Uganda, visitors had the chance to see various animal species during the Open Park Days event. The Ishasha sector, where the event took place, is renowned for its diverse wildlife. Ndorere stated that by allowing people to experience the park's beauty, they would develop a sense of ownership and join the conservation effort. This, he believes, will encourage communities to protect and preserve national parks and their wildlife.
The standard park entrance fee for adult Ugandan citizens and other East African Community citizens is UGX 20,000 per person per day. Children aged 5-15 years pay UGX 5,000 per day, while those below 5 years access the National Parks free of charge. There are also discounted fees for Ugandan pupils, university students, and Wildlife Club members. These fees are in place to ensure that national parks remain accessible to Ugandans while promoting conservation.
Dorcas Rukundo Twesigye, UWA's Business Development Manager, explained that the Authority offered free park entry during Open Days to give people who have never entered national parks a chance to do so. She noted that some communities living near protected areas may view wildlife as a threat to their crops, but may not have visited the parks for leisure. By providing free access, UWA aimed to change this perception and promote a sense of ownership among locals.
The Open Park Days event allowed locals to explore Queen Elizabeth National Park and appreciate its natural beauty. This initiative is part of UWA's efforts to promote conservation and encourage communities to protect national parks. By engaging with local communities, UWA hopes to foster a sense of responsibility and ownership among residents living near protected areas.
According to Ndorere, when people connect with wildlife, they develop a deeper appreciation for these creatures and are more likely to join conservation efforts. This, in turn, will promote the preservation of national parks and their wildlife. By working together with local communities, UWA and conservation organizations like SaveWildlife Uganda aim to protect Uganda's rich biodiversity.
The success of the Open Park Days event in Kanungu district demonstrates the potential for community-based conservation initiatives in Uganda. By engaging with local communities and promoting a sense of ownership, UWA and conservation organizations can work together to protect national parks and their wildlife. This collaborative approach is crucial for the long-term preservation of Uganda's natural heritage.
Key points
- The Uganda Wildlife Authority offered free park entry during Open Days to promote conservation and encourage communities to protect national parks.
