Madi Okollo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA has backtracked on plans to acquire additional land at Ajai Wildlife Reserve in Madi Okollo district to enable expansion of Rhino conservation, citing community resistance. In December 2022, UWA announced plans to acquire an additional 26.58 square kilometers of land on …
Read More »Uganda raises cost for gorilla tracking permits
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda Wildlife Authority has raised the cost for gorilla trekking permits to USD 800 per person, up from presently USD 700 effective July 1, 2024. East African foreign residents will have to pay USD 700 per person, up from presently 600 US Dollars per person …
Read More »Minister irked to find Barlonyo massacre site turned into a market
Lira , Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The State Minister of Tourism Martin Mugarra Bahinduka is disturbed by the level at which Barlonyo Massacre site in Lira District is being mismanaged. On February 21, 2004, LRA rebels killed more than 300 people in an Internally Displaced People’s Camp (IDPC) in …
Read More »UWA rangers urged to embrace tech in battle with poachers
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | While technology is playing a leading role in conserving endangered wildlife specie, Ugandan rangers are on the other hand reluctant or not interested in acquiring those skills. The lack of support by some of the development partners to fund technology-led initiatives has further aggravated …
Read More »Africa’s 10 busiest airports based on total passenger traffic
SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | Air travel in Africa is projected to surpass pre-pandemic levels for the first time in 2024. From Cairo, with the second-oldest airport in Africa, to Johannesburg, host to the only airport in Africa with direct flights to six continents, here is a list of Africa’s …
Read More »COSASE orders audit into gorilla trekking permit scam
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) has ordered a forensic audit into the 500 million Shillings gorilla trekking permit scam at the Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA. Medard Lubega Ssegonna, the COSASE Chairperson issued the directive on Tuesday …
Read More »Conservationists oppose lion cage breeding program by UWEC
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Conservationists have opposed the planned lion breeding program by the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), confined conditions, as opposed to a free environment. World Animal Protection, a global animal welfare charity based in the UK, says instead, that the government agencies should prioritise protection of …
Read More »Africa’s 10 ‘most open’ countries for travel
African countries are simplifying entry processes and dropping restrictions to improve cross-border travel at inter-country and regional levels. SPECIAL REPORT | BIRD AGENCY | In the past eight years, 35 countries have improved their visa policies and, since 2016, five countries have abolished all visa requirements for African travellers. As …
Read More »Nabbanja hands over Entebbe Botanical Gardens to UWEC
Entebbe, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja today oversaw the handover of the iconic Entebbe Botanical Gardens from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC). This handover marks a new chapter for one of Africa’s oldest Botanical Gardens, …
Read More »Entebbe Airport sets new passenger record
Entebbe Airport Sets Record with 198,961 International Passengers in December Entebbe, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Entebbe Airport set a new record in December 2023 with 198,961 international passengers, comprising 104,160 arrivals and 94,800 departures. This figure, averaging 6,418 passengers per day, represents the highest single-day record in Uganda, according …
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