Uganda Wildlife Authority, the state-run conservation and tourism agency has today 13/June/2022 handed over Cheques Worth UGX 3,389,666,504 equivalent USD 898,805 to three districts of Kigezi region – Kanungu, Rubanda and Kisoro, surrounding the gorilla national parks in Uganda western region.
Every year, Uganda Wildlife Authority gives 20% of gate collections to districts to go towards improving the livelihoods of the communities neighboring the Conservation Areas.
According to the tourism revenue sharing, Kanungu District has received a dummy cheque worth 1,796,083,120 (One Billion Seven hundred ninety Six Million Eighty three thousand one hundred twenty only.
Rubanda District UGX 802,415,611 ( Eight hundred two million four hundred fifteen thousand six hundred Eleven only.)
Kisoro District UGX 789,687,773 ( Seven hundred Eighty nine million Six hundred Eighty Seven thousand Seven hundred Seventy three only)
Hon. Tom Butime Uganda Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has emphasised that the money must be put under productive use supporting bigger long lasting projects for the three districts to develop.
Hon. Minister Butime has informed the public that his ministry is processing regulations to guide in compensation of damaged properties and lives which is starting very soon.
Dr. Panta Kasoma National Uganda Wildlife Authority Board Chairperson has said that the funds is for the two previous financial years, a 20% entry fee additional gorilla levy funds to support the communities neighboring the gorilla national parks in Uganda western region.
He has added that UWA was the first to use Parish development model because they concentrate on Parishes and the funds is from the two parks of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park adding that it would have been much more if the national parks were not closed due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Eng. Sam Kajojo District Chairperson has thanked the Uganda Wildlife Authority for the amount equivalent to UGX 1,796,083,120 for the people who stay near the Park pleading with the Community leaders who manage the projects to make sure that the funds makes a step in the lives of people.
He is pleased to hear that the Chairperson Board of Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Minister are also concerned about permanent projects that help to transform communities for better accountability.
Original Article By: T. Mwajuma Twaha Adams Communications Officer Kanungu District Local government.
Learn more about Kigezi Region here