MBALE, Uganda — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially opened the UWEC–Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, marking a historic milestone in the country’s efforts to decentralize wildlife conservation education and expand tourism opportunities across Eastern Uganda.
Launched on June 12, 2026, the facility becomes Uganda’s first regional satellite wildlife conservation and education centre, bringing wildlife learning experiences, environmental awareness programmes, and tourism attractions closer to communities outside the central region.
The centre is expected to serve as a hub for conservation education, offering hands-on learning opportunities for schoolchildren, families, researchers, conservationists, and tourists while promoting greater appreciation of Uganda’s rich biodiversity.
Speaking during the launch, officials highlighted the facility’s role in strengthening conservation awareness, supporting tourism growth, creating employment opportunities, and stimulating local economic development throughout Eastern Uganda.
The establishment of the Mbale centre represents the country’s first major decentralization of wildlife conservation education since the establishment of the Entebbe Zoo in 1952. The initiative is intended to make conservation learning more accessible to communities, schools, and visitors in Eastern Uganda and neighboring regions by reducing the distance and cost barriers associated with travelling to Entebbe.
The new facility is also expected to boost domestic tourism by diversifying tourism products in the region and complementing existing attractions such as Mount Elgon National Park. Tourism stakeholders anticipate that the centre will generate new opportunities for local communities, tour operators, hospitality businesses, farmers, researchers, and other enterprises that benefit from visitor traffic.
Beyond its educational role, the centre symbolizes the Government of Uganda’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people while promoting environmental stewardship, community participation, scientific research, recreation, and sustainable socio-economic transformation through tourism.
Conservation leaders described the project as a significant investment in future generations, noting that increased access to conservation education will help nurture environmental responsibility among young people while strengthening public support for wildlife protection efforts.
The launch was made possible through collaboration between the Government of Uganda, conservation partners, local leaders, stakeholders, and communities across Eastern Uganda.
With the opening of the UWEC–Mbale Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, Uganda has taken another major step toward expanding conservation awareness, promoting tourism development, and creating sustainable opportunities for communities while safeguarding the country’s natural heritage for future generations.
