In a bid to promote conservation and community-based tourism, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) held a grand celebration for World Chimpanzee Day at the Ngoto hub in Kirima Sub-County, Kanungu District. The event, organized in collaboration with the Diocese of Kinkiizi and supported by the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI), aimed to highlight the unique chimpanzee population of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and promote the integration of community tourism with wildlife conservation.

John Makombo, the Director of Conservation at UWA, addressed the gathering, urging district local governments to embrace community-based tourism to foster wildlife conservation for future generations. Representing UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha, Makombo praised the efforts and cooperation of the Kanungu District, recalling his experience as Chief Warden in Buhoma, where community support significantly boosted tourism development.

"Kanungu District is endowed with two National Parks. By conserving and promoting community tourism, we can enhance local benefits and conse

rvation efforts," Makombo said. He emphasized the need to elevate the profile of Bwindi's chimpanzees alongside the more famous mountain gorillas, aiming to establish Ngoto as a thriving tourist destination similar to Mpungu.

Makombo also encouraged the Chief Warden to train Mpungu and Batwa guides, enhancing tourism products and promoting sustainable tourism in the region. He called on JGI to develop a master plan for Kanungu, focusing on the Ngoto swamp ecosystem, and to build a lodge managed by the Church to benefit the community. This initiative aims to bolster chimpanzee conservation through targeted funding.

Gad Rugaju, the Deputy RDC, commended the Diocese for its continued support of conservation and revenue-sharing initiatives but highlighted challenges within the newly formed Tourism and Commercial Services department. He called for increased funding and resources to support tourism promotion and ensure the effective use of revenue-sharing funds.

Rt. Rev. Bishop Dan Zoreka welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude to the government for allowing the celebration in Kanungu. He emphasized the close genetic resemblance between chimpanzees and humans, pledging the Church of Uganda's commitment to protecting these "cousins" and their habitats.

Mwongyera Henry, the District Vice Chairperson, lauded development partners for their contributions to wildlife conservation but stressed the need for improved tourism infrastructure, especially roads, to tap into the district's natural endowments. He also called for the development of the Kibwetere site to commemorate lives lost there.

Byamukama James, Executive Director-JGI, delivered a message of peace and harmony, underscoring JGI's mission to promote conservation for the benefit of both humans and wildlife. He highlighted JG I's efforts in developing Uganda's National Chimpanzees Conservation Strategy and called for honoring indigenous conservation heroes.

Guma Nelson, Chief Warden of Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area, emphasized the unique behavior of Bwindi chimps, who nest on the ground and interact with gorillas and humans. He called for equal protection for chimps as for gorillas, aiming to revise Bwindi's World Heritage site status to include the unique attributes of its chimpanzees.

The celebration also acknowledged the efforts of various individuals and organizations in conservation. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Kanungu District Local Government, Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation, Chimp Nest, Kanungu FM radio, Kanungu Broadcasting Services, JGI, Kinkiizi Diocese, Sam Arineitwe Kajojo, Twongyeirwe Mwajuma, and Fidelis Kanyamunyu.

Twongyeirwe Mwajuma the Communication Officer Kanungu, a recipient of the certificate, expressed gratitude to UWA for recognizing her hard work. She attributed her success to the opportunities provided by Chief Warden Guma Nelson and Warden Dickson Katana, emphasizing the importance of delegation and trust in unleashing potential.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to conservation and community development, showcasing the symbiotic relationship between wildlife protection and sustainable tourism in Kanungu District.