UWA Unveils Ambitious Plan to Revamp Entebbe Botanical Gardens

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has outlined a comprehensive plan to transform Entebbe Botanical Gardens into a premier tourism, conservation, and research center. 

This follows the merger between UWA and Uganda Wildlife Education Center (UWEC), effective October 1, 2024.

UWA’s Acting Executive Director, Makombo John, revealed that the authority aims to develop tourism products and services, conserve indigenous species, and enhance research collaboration with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO).

“We plan to bolster research, improve conservation, and boost tourism in the area,” Makombo said during an assessment tour of the gardens. 

“Short-term plans include installing lighting, upgrading roads, and formalizing concessions for better operations.”

Makombo emphasized the gardens’ potential as a top-class tourism destination, citing its rich botanical specimens, scenic beauty, and educational value.

“Entebbe Botanical Gardens boasts over 389 species of higher plants, a rainforest, rock garden, and medicinal garden,” he said. “We want to create a world-class experience for visitors and researchers alike.”

Challenges identified during the tour included porous borders, waste management issues, ungazetted tracks, unlicensed operators, and significant encroachment.

Chemonges Sabilla, UWA’s Deputy Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs, noted that management will assess concessions, particularly those held by workers operating within the gardens.