President Yoweri Museveni has praised the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), led by Dr James Musinguzi, for expanding conservation and tourism initiatives to eastern Uganda, describing the efforts as vital for protecting the countryโs natural heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities.
Speaking during the World Tourism Day 2026 celebrations in Mbale under the theme โDigital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism,โ the President highlighted the importance of facilities such as the Mbale Zoo in promoting wildlife conservation, tourism education and community development.
Museveni linked conservation to Ugandaโs broader economic transformation agenda, encouraging a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, manufacturing and value-added production. He noted that modern farming practices can increase incomes while reducing environmental pressure.
The Presidentโs remarks come as UWA and tourism agencies expand tourism opportunities across the country, including the Open Park Days initiative and efforts to showcase the tourism potential of the Elgon region, strengthening the role of conservation as a driver of sustainable development.
