The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC), commonly known as Entebbe Zoo, has unveiled revised entry fees for its facility, set to take effect on July 1, 2024.
Dr. James Musinguzi, the Executive Director of UWEC, explained that these adjustments aim to improve the overall visitor experience and further support animal welfare initiatives within the center.
Musinguzi emphasized that the decision to revise the fees was imperative due to the evolving costs associated with animal care, including expenses for food, medical supplies, and operational overheads. He urged Ugandans to rally behind the zoo, emphasizing its crucial role in conservation efforts.
“We have been operating with fees insufficient to meet the needs of our animals. From the procurement of medication, including some imported medicine, to the provision of animal food, such as the nearly Shs 100,000 required daily to feed a lion with 10 kilograms of meat, the costs are substantial. This adjustment is necessary to ensure the welfare of our animals. Additionally, it supports the maintenance of our facilities, ensuring visitors encounter happy animals within a well-maintained environment,” stated Musinguzi.
He further noted that the recent surge in the prices of raw meat and its products within the Kampala Metropolitan areas, attributed to the ongoing animal quarantine stemming from Foot and Mouth disease, has exacerbated operational costs.
Furthermore, Musinguzi highlighted infrastructural enhancements made by the center, including improvements to enclosures and roads, aimed at providing a better experience for both visitors and animals alike.
He revealed that the revised tariffs reflect UWEC’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care for its animals, maintaining world-class facilities, and fostering essential conservation education initiatives.
Tariff Adjustments:
