A delegation comprised of leading tour operators, travel agents, and media personalities from Australia has applauded Uganda’s growing leadership in wildlife conservation, environmental education, and partnerships following a strategic visit to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe.
The visit, led by Uganda’s High Commissioner to Australia, H.E Dorothy Samali Hyuha, formed part of the ongoing 10-day familiarisation tour aimed at positioning Uganda as a globally competitive tourism, conservation, and eco-travel destination within the Australian market.
During the visit, members of the delegation participated in behind-the-scenes conservation activities, including feeding giraffes and chimpanzees, observing wildlife rehabilitation, visiting the animal hospital and rescue facilities, and engaging directly with conservation teams at the Centre.
The delegation also actively participated in the symbolic naming of selected animals, an initiative officials say strengthens the emotional connection between international visitors and Uganda’s conservation story.
Officials at the Centre highlighted the institution’s growing collaboration with Australian conservation institutions and zoos, particularly through partnerships and memoranda of understanding with institutions in Victoria and Adelaide.
According to conservation officials, Australian partners have supported the Centre through wildlife rescue logistics, conservation education materials, research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and institutional strengthening initiatives.
The delegation heard how one Australian partner recently supported the acquisition of a specialised rescue vehicle used for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation operations.
H.E Dorothy Samali Hyuha said the visit reflected Uganda’s broader strategy of positioning conservation not merely as environmental protection, but also as an important bridge for international diplomacy, education, tourism, and global collaboration.
“Conservation today is global diplomacy,” Ambassador Hyuha explained.
“When countries collaborate around wildlife protection, environmental education, and sustainability, they are also building long-term partnerships between people, institutions, and future generations.”
Members of the Australian delegation described the experience as deeply immersive and educational, particularly the opportunity to interact closely with animals while gaining an understanding of Uganda’s broader conservation ecosystem.