Uganda Wildlife Authority has today handed over UGX 3,108,539,741 to the communities neighboring Queen Elizabeth Protected Area, Rwenzori Mountains National Park, Kibale National Park, Semuliki National Park, and Tooro-Semuliki Wildlife Reserve.
These revenue-sharing cheques were handed over at a function presided over by the Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, the Rtd. Col. Tom Butime in Kasese town, in the presence of the leaders of the thirteen districts that surround these protected areas.
UWA Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. Panta Kasoma and Executive Director Sam Mwandha were also present at this stakeholder’s engagement that was organized by the Queen Elizabeth Conservation Area.
“We are ensuring that the Protected Areas under our custody provide life-changing gains for the people who depend on them the most while also stimulating conservation-led economies.” Statement from UWA.
According to the Uganda Wildlife Act 2019, UWA the body that pioneers the conservation of parks and reserves is mandated to give back 20% of its annual gate collection, it’s a conditional grant to communities neighboring national parks under the revenue sharing scheme.
Can Also read; UWA Gives 3 billion to Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area Surrounding Communities
In April, UWA gave 2.9 billion to communities surrounding Murchison Falls National Park, these areas included Masindi district, Nwoya, Oyam, Pakwach, and Kiryandongo.
In June, UWA also handed over 3.3 billion shillings to areas around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. And these areas included Kisoro, Kanungu, and Rubanda districts.
The UWA revenue sharing format is aimed at strengthening partnerships between local communities, and local governments in the management of wildlife areas through sustainable management of wildlife resources in protected areas.
Funds given to districts under the revenue sharing scheme go to community income-generating projects identified by communities.
