Following a successful breeding programme at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in Nakasongola District, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is set to re-introduce White rhinos into Ajai wildlife reserve in Madi Okollo District.
At Ziwa, the original stock of six Southern White Rhinos multiplied to 35 thus possibility of relocation and expansion of rhino reserves.
“The white rhino is a cultural heritage for the West Nile community. Re-introducing the rhino will be part of restoration of the cultural heritage and will enhance the understanding of rhino conservation of the West Nile community (specifically the Madi Okollo district community) and their future generations to appreciate and be proud to revive their ancestral heritage,” read part of a recent UWA brief.
Mr Bashir Hangi, the communications officer of UWA, said they were still in the planning phase and could not give a timeline on when they would introduce the rhinos.
He, however, said UWA will have to negotiate with the community about the land. The land in question is currently occupied by the Madali and Olali communities.
Need for mindset change
In the same brief, UWA emphasized the importance of mindset change if domestic tourism is to pick up in the country. Regardless of the steady growth in the number of Ugandans touring various tourist attractions, some Ugandans still hold the notion that tourism remains for foreigners and is expensive.
The Authority’s executive director, Sam Mwanda said this is a wrong perception that must be dealt with. He challenges Ugandans to take advantage of this festive season and beyond to tour different national parks across the country to appreciate the country’s endowments.
Meanwhile, he adds that they are making good progress in recovery since the Covid-19 disruptions standing at 70 percent now.
He says visitor numbers to the parks have increased from 103,000 in 2020/2021 to 265,000 in 2021/22 and revenue increased from Shs21 billion the previous year to Shs69bn at the moment.
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