By Reagan Nabutele

June 12, 2026 | Mbale City, Uganda
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has officially opened the Mbale Regional Wildlife Education Centre, marking a major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to decentralize conservation education and strengthen tourism development across the country.

The facility, located along the Mbale–Tororo Road in Mbale City, has been officially commissioned on by Vice President Jessica Alupo. It becomes the first regional wildlife education centre established outside Entebbe since the founding of the former Entebbe Zoo in 1952.

The centre has already received a variety of wildlife species, including lions, zebras, waterbucks, ostriches, and peacocks, providing communities in Eastern Uganda with direct access to wildlife education and conservation experiences.

Speaking during the launch, Vice President Alupo described the project as a significant investment in Uganda’s conservation and tourism sector. She noted that the facility will not only enhance environmental awareness but also contribute to economic growth through tourism, job creation, research, and community development.

“For many years, access to wildlife education has been concentrated in Entebbe, making it difficult for many school-going children and families from distant regions to benefit. This centre brings conservation learning closer to the people,” she said.

The Vice President further urged leaders in Eastern Uganda and neighboring Kenya to mobilize schools and communities to visit the centre, highlighting its potential to attract regional tourism and strengthen cross-border cultural and educational exchanges.

Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Suzan Nakawuki, hailed the launch as a key achievement under the government’s strategy to accelerate economic transformation through tourism.

She emphasized that tourism remains one of Uganda’s strongest drivers of employment, foreign exchange earnings, and local enterprise growth, adding that conservation remains the foundation upon which wildlife tourism thrives.

UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi said the Mbale centre is part of a broader strategy to decongest the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Entebbe while extending conservation services to more Ugandans.

“This is the first regional wildlife education centre to be established in Uganda since the creation of Entebbe Zoo more than seven decades ago. Bringing wildlife closer to communities helps people appreciate and protect our natural heritage,” Dr. Musinguzi said.

He noted that the facility is expected to generate employment opportunities for local residents through animal care, tourism services, food supply chains, and educational programs.

Mbale Northern City Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner Were Yahya welcomed the development, saying it will reduce travel costs for schools and families seeking wildlife education while creating opportunities for students pursuing careers in tourism, wildlife management, and environmental conservation.

The launch of the Mbale Wildlife Education Centre represents a new chapter in Uganda’s conservation journey. Beyond providing educational experiences, the facility is expected to stimulate local economic activity, strengthen environmental stewardship, and increase tourism opportunities in Eastern Uganda.

As Uganda continues to invest in conservation and sustainable tourism, the Mbale centre stands as a symbol of the country’s commitment to protecting wildlife while ensuring that future generations can learn from and appreciate the nation’s rich natural heritage.