Kapchorwa Leaders Set to Transform Local Tourism Following Fact-Finding Mission to Kibale Conservation Area

KABAROLE— In a major push to revive environmental conservation and boost local tourism, a high-level delegation of political and technical leaders from Kapchorwa District recently concluded a study tour and engagement at the Kibale Conservation Area (KCA) in Kabarole District.

The engagement focused heavily on strategies for environmental restoration, sustainable conservation, and fostering a peaceful human-wildlife relationship.

The delegation—which included the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Bayole Stanley, LCV Chairperson Mr. Chelimo Vincent, the Deputy CAO, the District Speaker, and several district councilors—was received by the Chief Warden of Kibale Conservation Area, Mr. John Justice.

Addressing the leaders, Mr. John Justice emphasized that successful environmental restoration begins with a mindset shift. He noted that communities must first learn to appreciate and love tourism.

“It is through a genuine love for tourism that local communities will find the true motivation to restore game reserves and protect our environment, ultimately bringing direct revenue into their societies,” the Chief Warden educated.

Mr. DS Tugume, the CEO of the Kibale Conservation Area network, the Kapchorwa leaders toured Isunga Village Isunga Parish, Kasenda Sub-county Kabarole district to see community-led conservation in action.

During an interaction with the locals, Mr. Karusigarira Bernard, the LC1 Chairman of Isunga Village, praised their thriving partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). Which included Reliable defense against wild animal incursions, Funding and support for building local churches and water tanks , Access to mobility through provided motorcycles. Increased income through Paid labor in the forest, craft-making, and cultural dance groups for tourists.

The delegation also visited key ecological sites in the region, including the Kanyachu Kibale Tourism Center and the Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary, both renowned hubs for eco-tourism.

Impressed by the tangible benefits witnessed in Kabarole, Kapchorwa LCV Chairperson Mr. Chelimo Vincent committed to mirroring these exact strategies back home to elevate Kapchorwa’s tourism landscape.
sensitizing the public to plant trees for long-term economic benefits without cutting them down, aiding forest restoration. Organizing routine regional workshops so local communities receive first-hand information on conservation and safe human-wildlife co-existence and Pushing for better road networks to ensure tourists have easy access to Kapchorwa’s unique attraction sites.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Bayole Stanley, extended his gratitude to UWA for organizing the study tour, noting that it opened their eyes to the immense value of forest preservation.

Mr. Bayole strongly advocated for a long-term approach, urging UWA to help lobby for and provide free tree seedlings to Kapchorwa residents. He also stressed the importance of catching the next generation early.

“Educating our young ones at an early age about conservation and human-wildlife relationships will create a lasting impact in the region,” Mr. Bayole Stanley noted.

The RDC closed by promising full administrative support to ensure these restoration ideas are actively taught and implemented across Kapchorwa District.

 

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