UWA Calls on Ugandans to Boost Domestic Tourism and Support Conservation

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has renewed its call for Ugandans to actively engage in domestic tourism, saying the country’s tourism sector can only achieve long-term growth if citizens take a leading role in visiting and supporting protected areas.

Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of UWA, said domestic tourism remains one of the most important drivers of conservation, job creation, and economic transformation in Uganda.

He noted that many people still associate tourism mainly with international visitors, yet Ugandans themselves have a critical role to play in sustaining the industry.

“Sometimes when we talk about tourism, we think about foreigners who come to visit. We need to start by doing it ourselves through promoting domestic tourism,” 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 change perspectives but also directly support livelihoods.

“When you do that, you are supporting a Ugandan to get a job and contributing to the growth of the Ugandan economy,” he said.

Musinguzi further emphasized that tourism has been identified as a key sector in Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda, which aims to grow the economy tenfold by 2040, with tourism ranked among the leading growth drivers.

UWA has also strengthened collaboration with community and conservation partners, including the Lions Club of Kampala East, to expand environmental protection and awareness programmes across the country.

As part of this partnership, joint conservation initiatives are being implemented in Kaboya Village in Kiku District, where both organisations are working with local communities to promote environmental sustainability.

Susan Muhumuza, the 7th President of the Kampala Lions Club, said the collaboration focuses on practical conservation efforts, including large-scale tree planting and community environmental education.

She said the project targets the planting of 1,000 trees while also distributing 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,” Muhumuza said.

She added that the area is home to important UWA-managed conservation sites, including Kaboya Wildlife Reserve and Boma Forest Reserve, making it a strategic location for environmental restoration efforts.

Muhumuza also noted that the partnership will include community outreach health programmes, including medical camps focusing on conditions such as diabetes and eye care services.

UWA says such partnerships are part of its broader strategy to integrate conservation with community development while encouraging more Ugandans to take part in protecting and benefiting from the country’s natural heritage.