Vice President of Uganda Jessica Alupo on Friday officially launched the Mbale Settlite Education Conservation Centre which is located on National Forestry Authority land along the Mbale–Tororo road in Industrial City Division of Mbale City.
During the launch, Alupo urged Ugandans to embrace tourism by visiting the centre to view the animals, saying this would help boost revenue. She noted that the country earns billions of shillings from tourism, which contributes to the country’s economy.
Chalise Chijambo, who represented the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Animals, and Wildlife Antiquities, said this is the first satellite education conservation centre in the country Entebbe, which was established by the colonialists. He said the facility will serve the Eastern region and neighbouring areas for tourism, and urged schools and the public to visit.
The Mayor of Mbale City, Muteru Kidulu, urged residents to take ownership of the project, saying locals stand to benefit directly and indirectly through the sale of agricultural products at the site, job opportunities, and other gains. The mayor asked the Government to establish an airport in Mbale City so that foreign tourists can fly directly to the city.
Lydia Wanyoto, the State Minister for Public Service and Mbale City Woman Member of Parliament, said the centre will promote Mbale City and the wider Bugisu region.
She said the government compensated the Kakungulu family with 70 billion shillings for four square miles of land to transfer ownership to the public. She added that squatters currently living on the land will soon receive land titles. Wanyoto also asked the Vice President to support the establishment of a Bugisu Industrial Park, a skilling centre, and a public university in the region to spur development-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
