Total Energies E&P (TEPU) has today handed over an office and craft shop to the Mubaku Sound of the Nile Adungu Group (MSNAG) at Tangi Gate and the Pakwach Art and Craft Association (PACA) at Paraa Southbank Landing, respectively. This initiative was facilitated by the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda (CCFU) to support these groups in Buliisa and Pakwach.

The two groups engage in making and selling crafts, as well as performing music, dance, and drama for visitors to Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP). They operate in distinct locations around the park, contributing to the vibrant cultural heritage of the area, which complements its rich biodiversity.

The handover ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Chairperson of LC V Buliisa, Hon. Lukumu Fred. He urged the beneficiary groups to utilize the new office and craft shop effectively and encouraged the community to focus their revenue-sharing funds on single projects to maximize impact.

Hon. Fred expressed gratitude to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) for supporting community groups in generating income through cultural activities. He emphasized that such engagement in ecotourism helps reduce poaching and wildlife crime.

Mrs. Babra Babwetera, the Executive Director of the Cross-Cultural Foundation of Uganda, encouraged the groups to use their new facilities to promote culture, increase their income, save money, and improve their quality of life.

Mr. Fredrick Kiiza, the Chief Warden of MFCA, advised the groups to package their cultural offerings well and prepare for future opportunities, given their central role in the tourism industry within MFNP. He also encouraged them to use music to raise awareness against poaching.

Moses Ogam, the Social Performance Manager and representative of TEPU, congratulated the groups on their new facilities, which provide shelter from harsh weather conditions. He urged them to collaborate in developing cultural dance, drama, and craft-making initiatives.

Mr. Dalili RK Moses, the CAO of Pakwach District, commended the groups for their proactive approach and pledged to connect them to markets through the district's commercial and tourism officers. He encouraged the groups to use the new offices as a steppingstone

to greater success and to diversify their products to meet market demands.

Together with the District CDO of Pakwach, the groups, consisting of over 50 members represented by 40 attendees, were encouraged to adapt their awareness songs and crafts to appeal to a larger market, particularly at the boat landing and park gate.