UNDP launches 'Wildlife Children Discovery Center at UWEC

UNDP  launches 'Wildlife Children Discovery Center at UWEC
Sheila Ngatia , Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP

In a speech presented by the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Sheila Ngatia during the celebrations of the World Wildlife Day in Entebbe, the country representative retaliated UNDP’s  support   towards  the completion of the Wildlife Children Discovery Center built at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in Entebbe.

The project  was launched by Vice President Jessica Alupo  and  its aim is to educate young children about wildlife conservation among domestic and wild animals.

Vice President Jessica Alupo plants a tree at Entebbe Zoo.

Uganda is a rich country in regards to tourism and antiquities as per the latest survey which indicated that the Pearl of Africa currently has 11% of the world’s recorded bird species, 19% of Africa’s bird amphibian species, 53.9% population of mount gorillas and also 11% of various fish species.

The UNDP together with partners like Tourism Ministry, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Tourism Board has managed to involve in coordinating various projects to boost the sector including the re-introduction and chipping of rhinos, strengthening youth and women, improving wildlife monitoring and protection in Kidepo Valley National Park and also the Giant club conservation that was launched in 2018.

In regards to promoting wildlife conservation which is critical in Uganda’s effort to Uganda’s 2030 vision, this year the UNDP donated radios and drones to the Uganda Wildlife Authority equivalent to over 2,000 USD to help in monitoring of wildlife and also donated I pads to the Uganda Tourism Board in that same spirit.

On receiving this equipment, the Executive Director of UWEC Dr. James Musinguzi applauded the UNDP for the sponsorship and also thanked the government of Uganda through the Ministry of Wildlife and Antiquities for the support over years including in the covid19 pandemic that greatly affected the sector.

The CEO of Uganda Tourism Board Ms. Lilly Ajarova thanked the UNDP for the gadgets (I-pads) donated and she acknowledged that these are to help them in improving accommodation facilities by classifying and grading them all over the country hence improving the hospitality of the brand.

Uganda joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Wildlife Day that is celebrated on 3rd March every year to raise awareness of several benefits of wildlife to humanity.