UWA rewards six districts with Shs 3bn for conservation efforts

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has disbursed over Shs 3.15 billion cash towards six districts surrounding Murchison Falls National Park as part of a revenue-sharing initiative.

This payment serves as a reward to the local communities for their vital role in wildlife conservation. The funds come amidst ongoing challenges, including complaints about elephant raids on crops in Bulisa, Nwoya, and Pakwach districts, as well as incidents where people have been harmed or killed by wildlife. The law requires UWA to compensate those affected when wildlife encroaches beyond park boundaries, which has sometimes led to strained relations between the community and the wildlife.

A statement from UWA emphasized that this disbursement reflects the government’s commitment to recognizing and empowering communities that are integral to the conservation of the country’s wildlife.

During the disbursement event at Nwoya District headquarters, minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime, underscored the importance of the initiative. He explained that the over Shs 3 billion payout is not merely a financial transaction but a demonstration of the government’s dedication to ensuring that conservation benefits are equitably shared with those living near protected areas.

“As tourism continues to recover, we anticipate even greater contributions to these communities in the future, fostering both conservation and development,” Butime stated.

Pakwach district in the West Nile region received over Shs 360 million, while Oyam district in the Lango area was allocated pver Shs 220 million. Bulisa District received over Shs 810 million, followed by Kiryandongo with over Shs 746 million, Nwoya with Shs 715 million, and Masindi District with over Shs 297 million.

Revenue sharing is becoming an increasingly popular approach to wildlife conservation in Uganda. UWA allocates 20 per cent of its annual park revenue to the communities surrounding national parks and wildlife reserves under this program. The funds are sent to the districts, which retain 5 per cent for administrative costs and pass the remaining 95 per cent to sub-counties for identified projects.

Since its inception in 2005, the revenue-sharing program has made significant positive impacts on the communities, improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare. UWA executive director Sam Mwandah expressed confidence that the latest disbursement would further enhance livelihoods in these districts.

“We are confident that the funds released today will further improve the quality of life in these districts,” Mwandah said.

Nwoya district chairperson, Emmanuel Orach, expressed gratitude on behalf of all the districts involved. He acknowledged the challenges faced by communities living near protected areas, particularly those related to wildlife crop raids.

“Our communities have long borne the costs of coexisting with wildlife, but with these funds, we are seeing tangible benefits. We are committed to ensuring these resources are used wisely,” Orach affirmed.