Mbale – The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has hosted members of Parliament from the Committee on Trade, Tourism, and Industry at the nearly complete Mbale Regional Zoo, located in Mutoto village along Tororo Road. The facility is expected to open its gates to the public in July this year.
The visit, led by Hon. Betty Awori Engola, Woman MP for Apac District, saw legislators commend UWA for the visible progress made on the project. The MPs also expressed their full support for UWA’s continued efforts to strengthen Uganda’s domestic tourism and wildlife conservation initiatives.
Speaking during the inspection, UWA Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi shared that the project currently covers 37 acres of the 62-acre land provided by the National Forest Authority (NFA) through a Memorandum of Understanding.
He explained that the zoo is designed to bring wildlife experiences closer to communities in Eastern Uganda, particularly for schoolchildren and residents who may find it costly or difficult to access national parks.
“The Mbale Regional Zoo is a deliberate step to bridge the gap for many Ugandans by creating a nearby, affordable, and educational wildlife facility,” Dr. Musinguzi said. “It will not only promote conservation awareness but also create jobs and stimulate local economic activity through sourcing from community suppliers.”
Lawmakers on the tour praised the zoo’s potential to increase tourism revenue, enhance wildlife education, and serve as a model for regional tourism development across the country.
Once complete, the Mbale Regional Zoo is expected to become a vital destination for domestic tourists, schools, and families across the eastern region, while complementing national efforts to promote Uganda’s rich biodiversity and unique wildlife heritage.