In a significant development for Uganda’s conservation and tourism sectors, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) recently took over the management of the Entebbe Botanical Gardens from the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC).
This shift in responsibility has sparked much discussion. Many see it as a strategic step towards revitalizing the Lake Victoria tourism circuit and addressing long-standing issues related to the park’s development.
The Takeover: A Strategic Move for Development
On October 1, 2024, the Uganda Wildlife Authority officially assumed responsibility for managing the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, which UWEC had previously overseen. The transfer of management was part of a broader effort to enhance the development and sustainability of Uganda’s tourism and wildlife conservation efforts.
While UWEC, which operated as a public institution dedicated to wildlife conservation and education, had managed the Botanical Gardens for a couple of months after securing the facility from NARO the decision to transfer the site to UWA came after rationalization consultations and internal assessments. Officials from both institutions expressed confidence that the move would lead to better resource management, increased investment, and a more coordinated approach to tourism development in the Lake Victoria region.
Why the Shift Was Necessary
According to a statement from the Uganda Wildlife Authority, the takeover of the Botanical Gardens was driven by the need for better management and the desire to fully integrate the gardens into the national wildlife conservation strategy. UWA, which is responsible for managing Uganda’s national parks and protected areas, argued that its experience in handling conservation and tourism activities would help realize the full potential of the Botanical Gardens, both as a conservation hub and a tourism destination.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of UWA, John Makombo, the director of Conservation emphasized that the Botanical Gardens would now be part of a broader strategy to enhance the Lake Victoria tourism circuit, an initiative that has been gaining traction in recent years. He noted, “By bringing the Botanical Gardens under the management of UWA, we aim to create a more seamless and attractive destination for both international and domestic tourists. Our mandate is not just about conservation; it’s also about creating sustainable economic opportunities for communities around our parks, and this move aligns with that goal.”
UWA’s focus on improving the infrastructure and services at the Botanical Gardens is a key aspect of this transition. UWA plans to invest in better signage, enhanced visitor amenities, and the integration of more educational and cultural elements into the garden’s offerings. These improvements will likely attract more tourists, boost local economies, and provide long-term benefits to the region.
From the UWEC perspective, the transfer was framed as a natural evolution in the management of the garden, especially given that UWA already oversees the majority of Uganda’s national parks and protected areas. UWEC’s former Executive Director and now Director of Community Conservation Dr James Musinguzi, explained that while UWEC would no longer be directly responsible for the gardens, it would continue to collaborate with UWA in its educational mandate, particularly in raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
“UWA has the necessary expertise and resources to manage the Botanical Gardens in a way that aligns with the government’s broader tourism and conservation goals,” Musinguzi said. “We are not losing our stake in the development of the gardens; rather, we are entering a phase of strengthened collaboration for the greater good.”
The Lake Victoria Tourism Circuit: A Growing Potential
The takeover of the Entebbe Botanical Gardens is seen as part of a larger effort to enhance the Lake Victoria tourism circuit. Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest freshwater lake, is an important ecological and cultural landmark that attracts tourists from around the world. However, despite its natural beauty and biodiversity, the region has long struggled to fully develop its tourism potential.
One of the primary goals of UWA’s management is to integrate the Botanical Gardens into the broader Lake Victoria tourism circuit, which includes other notable sites such as the Ssese Islands, Mabamba Wetlands, and Lake Victoria’s shores in both Uganda and its neighboring countries, Kenya and Tanzania.
The Lake Victoria tourism circuit, with its diverse range of attractions, offers the potential for a thriving eco-tourism economy. For UWA, the development of this circuit means creating a synergy between various tourist sites that complement each other and provide visitors with a holistic experience of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The Botanical Gardens, with their rich plant life, bird-watching opportunities, and proximity to Entebbe’s international airport, are seen as a gateway attraction to the broader tourism offerings of the region.
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
Globally, the importance of sustainable tourism has gained increasing attention, particularly in nature-rich countries like Uganda. Nature-based tourism, including visits to botanical gardens, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries, has proven to be a key driver of economic growth in many parts of the world. In Europe, for example, countries like Switzerland, Austria, and Norway have successfully turned their natural landscapes and protected areas into significant tourist attractions, generating billions of dollars in revenue annually.
The European Union, in particular, has placed a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism practices, encouraging investments in conservation and community engagement. In Switzerland, the integration of nature parks with local communities has resulted in a thriving eco-tourism industry that generates substantial income while ensuring the protection of natural landscapes. The same principles are being applied in Uganda, where the focus is on leveraging the country’s rich biodiversity and unique landscapes to create a sustainable, long-term tourism sector.
UWA’s emphasis on enhancing the Lake Victoria tourism circuit aligns with these global trends. By developing the Botanical Gardens into a world-class tourism destination, Uganda aims to tap into a growing international market for eco-tourism, while also fostering domestic tourism and creating employment opportunities for local communities.
Challenges Impeding the Development of the Botanical Gardens
Despite the optimism surrounding the takeover, there are several challenges that have historically impeded the development of the Entebbe Botanical Gardens. One of the most significant hurdles has been a lack of sufficient funding and resources to fully realize the garden’s potential. Both UWEC and UWA have struggled with limited budgets.
The management of the gardens has also been hindered by competing priorities within Uganda’s broader conservation landscape. UWA, for instance, has been primarily focused on the country’s national parks, which require significant investment for their upkeep and to maintain their status as global conservation priorities. As a result, the Botanical Gardens, despite their strategic location and potential, are yet to receive the attention and investment they deserve.
Further complicating matters is the issue of land use around the Botanical Gardens. Located on the shores of Lake Victoria, the site is increasingly under pressure from urbanization and competing land interests. Encroachment by local communities and illegal land allocations have sometimes made it difficult to maintain the integrity of the gardens.
In addition, UWA is yet to secure the land title for the 100-acre piece making it difficult to make full dive into meaningful development.
UWA’s Prospects for the Botanical Gardens
Under UWA’s management, however, the prospects for the Botanical Gardens are more promising. UWA has already begun to outline plans for the redevelopment of the site, which include upgrading facilities, improving the visitor experience, and expanding conservation efforts to protect the unique biodiversity within the gardens.
The Botanical Gardens are home to a rich collection of plants, many of which are endemic to Uganda and the East African region. This biodiversity is expected to be a central feature of UWA’s new conservation and tourism strategies. UWA has also committed to improving the gardens’ role as an educational hub, where visitors can learn about Uganda’s flora, fauna, and environmental challenges.
In terms of funding, UWA has earmarked a significant budget allocation for the development of the gardens, with a focus on infrastructure, environmental conservation, and community outreach. In 2025, UWA plans to invest a couple of billions into the redevelopment of the Botanical Gardens, which will go towards building new visitor centers, improving signage, and enhancing the overall tourist experience.
The Road Ahead
The takeover of the Entebbe Botanical Gardens by the Uganda Wildlife Authority represents an exciting new chapter in the development of Uganda’s tourism sector. With its rich biodiversity, strategic location, and potential to be a key attraction within the Lake Victoria tourism circuit, the gardens are poised to become a major draw for both local and international visitors.
However, realizing the full potential of the Botanical Gardens will require ongoing investment, effective management, and collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and conservation organizations. While challenges remain, the prospects for the gardens under UWA’s stewardship are promising. The development of the 100-acre gardens, as part of the broader Lake Victoria tourism initiative, could pave the way for Uganda to become a leading destination for eco-tourism in East Africa, providing sustainable economic benefits and helping to preserve the country’s unique natural heritage for generations to come.
As UWA and UWEC continue to work together in managing Uganda’s conservation assets, the lessons learned from this transition will serve as a model for future collaborations in the country’s tourism and wildlife sectors