UWA Brings Wildlife Closer To Communities, Set To Launch Uganda’s First Regional Zoo In Mbale

By Frank Kamuntu 

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has intensified preparations for the opening of the UWEC–Mbale Zoo, Uganda’s first regional satellite zoo, with the relocation of several animals to the facility ahead of its official launch later this month.

The zoo, located in Mbale City, is expected to open its doors to the public on June 12, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to decentralise wildlife conservation, environmental education and tourism.

Among the animals already transferred to the facility are lions, a zebra, a waterbuck, an ostrich and peacocks. UWA officials say the animals are adapting well to their new environment as final preparations continue.

The establishment of the Mbale Zoo is part of a broader government strategy to bring wildlife experiences closer to communities outside central Uganda while promoting conservation awareness among the public.

For many Ugandans, visiting national parks or the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe remains out of reach due to distance and travel costs.

The new zoo is expected to bridge that gap by providing residents of Eastern Uganda and neighbouring regions with easier access to wildlife education and recreation.

Conservationists believe the facility will play a vital role in nurturing environmental stewardship, particularly among young people.

Through guided tours, educational programmes and interactive learning experiences, the zoo is expected to help schools and local communities gain a deeper understanding of Uganda’s diverse wildlife and the importance of protecting natural habitats.

“The zoo will serve as an important centre for conservation education, giving more Ugandans the opportunity to learn about wildlife and the role they can play in preserving it,” a source familiar with the project said.

According to UWA, the regional zoo forms part of efforts to expand the reach of conservation education beyond Entebbe and strengthen public engagement in wildlife protection.

The facility is expected to host school visits, research activities and community outreach programmes aimed at promoting sustainable environmental practices.

Wildlife experts say increasing public awareness is critical at a time when biodiversity faces growing threats from habitat destruction, climate change and human activities.

By exposing communities to wildlife and conservation messages, authorities hope to cultivate a stronger culture of environmental responsibility across the region.

Beyond conservation, the zoo is expected to generate economic benefits for Mbale City and the wider Eastern Uganda region.

Tourism stakeholders anticipate increased visitor numbers, which could create new opportunities for hotels, restaurants, transport operators, craft vendors and other tourism-related businesses.

The project is also expected to create employment opportunities for local residents through zoo operations, maintenance, visitor services and educational programmes.

Local leaders have welcomed the development, describing it as an important addition to the region’s tourism portfolio.

With attractions such as Mount Elgon National Park, Sipi Falls and now the UWEC–Mbale Zoo, Eastern Uganda is positioning itself as a key destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Excitement is steadily building ahead of the zoo’s official opening on June 12, an event expected to attract government officials, conservation stakeholders, tourism industry players, development partners and members of the public.

The launch will mark the culmination of years of planning and investment aimed at expanding access to wildlife conservation and education across the country.

For UWA, the opening of the UWEC–Mbale Zoo represents more than the creation of a new tourist attraction. It signals a new chapter in Uganda’s conservation journey one that seeks to bring wildlife closer to communities, inspire future conservationists and strengthen the country’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage.

As the first animals settle into their new home and final preparations gather pace, Mbale is preparing to welcome a facility that could transform the way many Ugandans experience and appreciate wildlife.