The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially opened the Mbale Satellite Wildlife Education Centre, marking a major step in expanding conservation education and bringing wildlife experiences closer to communities in eastern Uganda.
The facility, located along the Mbale–Tororo Road, was launched on Friday under UWA’s Regional Wildlife Conservation Education Centres initiative, which seeks to decentralize wildlife education and reduce dependence on the Entebbe Zoo as the country’s primary conservation learning centre.
Speaking during the launch, James Musinguzi described the facility as a significant milestone in Uganda’s conservation journey.
Musinguzi noted that while the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre has served the country since 1952, the Mbale facility is only the second zoo in Uganda and the first to be established under UWA’s regional conservation model.
The centre has already received several animals relocated from Entebbe, including lions, zebras, waterbucks, ostriches, and peacocks, providing visitors with an opportunity to experience wildlife without travelling long distances.
According to UWA, the regional centres are intended to strengthen conservation awareness by allowing children, students, and local communities to interact with wildlife firsthand while promoting environmental stewardship and biodiversity protection.
Mbale Northern City Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Were Yahya, welcomed the project, saying it would save schools and families in eastern Uganda the cost and inconvenience of travelling to Entebbe for wildlife education.
He added that the facility is expected to generate employment opportunities for local residents and offer internship placements for students pursuing studies in wildlife management, tourism, and environmental conservation.
The cultural leader of the Bamasaaba, Jude Mike Mudoma, praised the government for establishing the centre in Mbale, describing it as a transformative project that will position the city as a hub for conservation learning, scientific research, eco-tourism, wildlife rescue, and community recreation.
Mudoma also advocated for the adoption of realistic artificial animal skins in cultural ceremonies as a way of reducing demand for poached wildlife while preserving cultural traditions.
The launch was presided over by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who described the centre as an important investment in conservation education and sustainable development.
Alupo said eastern Uganda’s rich cultural heritage and growing tourism potential make Mbale an ideal location for the facility. She noted that the centre will enhance public awareness about conservation, support research activities, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth through tourism and related sectors.
The Mbale Wildlife Education Centre is expected to serve thousands of learners, researchers, tourists, and conservation enthusiasts from eastern Uganda and neighbouring regions, further strengthening Uganda’s efforts to promote wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability.
