MBALE — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for its conservation efforts and praised its role in establishing the Mbale Wildlife Education Centre, noting that expanding such facilities will bring wildlife closer to citizens and inspire the younger generation.
During his visit to the facility, the President toured the semi-natural animal exhibits guided by Tourism Minister Tom Butime, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi, and other senior government and local leaders.
Earlier in the day, President Museveni officially opened the newly renovated, historic Mount Elgon Hotel, highlighting how the restoration successfully preserves its architectural heritage while injecting modern hospitality infrastructure to drive job creation and economic growth.
The President later presided over national World Tourism Day celebrations at Mbale Secondary School playgrounds, held under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” Addressing the crowds, he urged Ugandans to embrace wealth creation sectors and position themselves to capture a share of the trillion-dollar global tourism industry.
Emphasizing Uganda’s unique competitive advantages—ranging from the snow-capped Rwenzori Mountains to a favorable climate—President Museveni drew a direct line between economic progress and environmental stewardship.
“If you love tourism, agriculture and want electricity, you must be against environmental destruction. Those who destroy wetlands are enemies of the future,” the President stated, while also pledging to extend last-mile infrastructure to remote areas like Bududa and Manjiya to boost access and community connectivity.
Concluding his remarks, President Museveni expressed satisfaction with the proactive momentum shown by the Ministry of Tourism and UWA, declaring that institutions have successfully “woken up from kugona (sleep).”
