Interact with the wild in Entebbe

The Queen of Buganda, Sylvia Nagginda (2nd R) with her daughter Katrina Ssangalyambogo (R), admire an elephant calf at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre during celebrations to mark Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) 10th anniversary in Entebbe on August 7. 

To be close to the wild, one need not go hours away. They can simply enjoy wildlife moments at thie Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe at affordable prices.

The Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (Uwec), formerly known as the Uganda Zoo is 61 years this year. Belinda Atim, the public relations officer (PRO) of UWEC, explains that the education centre opened in 1952. At the time it was simply as a reception centre (zoo) for wildlife that were found in distress.

In the 1970s unfortunately, under President Idi Amin Dada’s regime, the zoo ran down. “It was badly dilapidated. We lost a significant number of animals, especially the exotic ones like the bears and the tigers. Members of staff could not also be sustained and a lot of them left,” Atim explains. It was not until 1994 that the government saw the need of transforming it into a wildlife education centre, to spearhead wildlife conservation education in the country.

Today it is mandated with conservation education; rescue and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned and/or confiscated wildlife; captive breeding of endangered species and recreation.

Tourists can interact with the animals through newly introduced programmes like ‘Behind the Scenes’ where visitors can relate up, close and candid with the animals, like chimpanzee as they play and feed.

She adds; “To us, every animal is unique since no two animals can ever be alike. People like animals such as the chimpanzee because of its intelligence and ability to mimic human behaviour. Most of the visitors that come to UWEC can spend a lot of time at the chimp sanctuary just staring at them and getting amused.”

Other animals at the centre include lions, towering beautiful giraffes, elephants and rhinos, which can also be seen at Zziwa ranch in Nakasongola. Uwec is the nearest location so it is easier to see them there.

If you do not want to spend a few hours then you can spend a few days at Uwec. “We have African bandas and apartments that are fully furnished; and hostels as a cheaper alternative. We also have a restaurant that overlooks Lake Victoria, where one can have meals in a relaxing atmosphere,” Atim adds.

Besides the amazing wild life there is a medicinal plant garden where you will learn about plants and their medicinal benefits to humans.

By Bruce Amp