For more than seven decades, the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre in Entebbe has remained the country's only wildlife education and conservation facility, playing a vital role in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, conservation education, research, and tourism promotion.

Today, that legacy expanded to Eastern Uganda following the official opening of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Mbale City. The facility, established by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, is expected to boost conservation awareness, tourism, education, and economic development across the Bugisu sub-region.

The official opening of the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Mbale City marks a major milestone in Uganda's conservation and tourism journey. The event was presided over by the vice president of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Jessica Alupo, and attended by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities; the Uganda Wildlife Authority; local leaders; cultural representatives; and members of the public.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Mbale City leaders led by Joyce Kidulu Matuka commended the government of Uganda for extending wildlife education and conservation services to Eastern Uganda.

The leaders also appealed to the government to prioritize key infrastructure projects within the region, including the upgrading of the Mbale Airstrip to facilitate tourism, trade, and investment and pledged their commitment to working closely with government to advance development initiatives and urged residents to embrace, utilize, and protect the new facility.

The state minister for tourism, wildlife, and antiquities, Hon. Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, called upon residents of Mbale and the wider Bugisu sub-region to fully utilize the facility, assuring them that the center will serve as an important hub for wildlife education, conservation awareness, scientific research, recreation, and domestic tourism.

In her closing remarks, Vice President Jessica Alupo assured leaders that the concerns and requests raised during the event would be presented to Cabinet for consideration, expressing optimism that positive outcomes would be realized. She reiterated the government's commitment to addressing the development priorities of the region and strengthening service delivery across the country.

The Vice President also congratulated the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities; the Uganda Wildlife Authority; and all stakeholders upon achieving what she described as a historic milestone in expanding wildlife conservation and education services beyond Entebbe to Eastern Uganda.

The newly inaugurated Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Mbale is expected to strengthen conservation efforts, enhance environmental awareness, and unlock new economic opportunities for communities across Eastern Uganda.