The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has appealed to the public to embrace domestic tourism, to boost the country’s tourism sector.
Uganda Wildlife Authority, (UWA) manages 10 National Parks; 12 Wildlife reserves; 5 Community Wildlife Management Areas; and 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries. The ten National Parks include Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Murchison Falls, Kidepo Valley, Kibale, Mount Elgon, Rwenzori Mountains, Semuliki, Mgahinga Gorilla, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Parks. These parks display the best in East Africa. Their Rift Valley landscapes and tropical forests make dramatic backdrops to an extensive variety of flora and fauna.
UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi says many people still perceive tourism as an activity for International visitors, yet Ugandans themselves have a critical role to play in sustaining and growing the industry.
Musinguzi, noted that domestic tourism remains one of the key drivers of conservation, job creation, and economic transformation in Uganda.
“Sometimes when we talk about tourism, we think about foreigners who come to visit. We need to start by doing it ourselves by promoting domestic tourism,” Dr. Musinguzi said.
He encouraged Ugandans to make it a habit to visit national parks and wildlife reserves at least once a year, saying such experiences not only broaden people’s appreciation of the country’s natural heritage but also directly support local livelihoods.
“When you do that, you are supporting a Ugandan to get a job and contributing to the growth of the Ugandan economy,” he stressed.
Musinguzi further emphasized that tourism has been identified as one of the priority sectors under Uganda’s economic transformation agenda, which seeks to expand the economy tenfold by 2040, with tourism expected to play a central role in driving that growth.
He said increasing domestic participation in tourism would strengthen conservation efforts while ensuring that more communities benefit from the industry’s economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, UWA has strengthened its collaboration with community and conservation partners, including the Kampala East Lions Club, to promote environmental protection and awareness programmes across the country.
Under the partnership, joint conservation initiatives are being implemented in Kaboya Village in Kiku District, where both organisations are working with local communities to advance environmental sustainability.
The 7th President of the Kampala East Lions Club, Ms Susan Muhumuza, said the collaboration focuses on practical conservation measures, including large-scale tree planting and community environmental education.
She said the initiative targets the planting of 1,000 trees while also distributing another 1,000 seedlings to households to support local reforestation efforts.
“Kaboya is within Kiku District, and we are working there to plant trees and support communities in conserving the environment,” Ms Muhumuza said.
She added that the area hosts important UWA-managed conservation sites, including Kaboya Wildlife Reserve and Boma Forest Reserve, making it a strategic location for environmental restoration initiatives.
Muhumuza further noted that the partnership would incorporate community outreach programmes, including medical camps offering services such as diabetes screening and eye care.
