Communities surrounding the Bwindi Mgahinga Conservation Area received a substantial boost yesterday as the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) disbursed UGX 2,197,559,618 in revenue sharing funds aimed at supporting local development and strengthening conservation partnerships.
The funds, sourced from Park entry fees and Gorilla permit levies, were distributed during a ceremony at the Buhoma Visitor Information Centre in Bwindi on June 19, 2025, marking what officials described as a significant milestone in demonstrating the tangible benefits of wildlife conservation to local communities.
Prof. James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, represented Tourism Minister Hon. Rtd. Col. Tom Butime at the disbursement ceremony. He emphasized the critical role communities play in conservation efforts.
“We are here to fulfill a promise, one that recognizes the role communities play in preserving our natural heritage,” Prof. Kalema said. “These funds should bring to life projects that improve schools, health care, clean water, and livelihoods.”
The ceremony underscored UWA’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with local communities through practical, ground-level results, with revenue sharing serving as a key mechanism for achieving this goal.
Executive Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority, Dr. James Musinguzi, stressed the importance of transparent implementation and community accountability in the revenue sharing program.
“This is more than just revenue sharing, it’s a partnership,” Dr. Musinguzi explained. “When communities see tangible improvements in their daily lives, they become stronger allies in protecting our parks and wildlife. We count on local leaders to ensure these funds reach the right people and do the right work.”
Dr. Musinguzi noted that Uganda’s conservation model depends on sustained public support and trust, which can only be maintained through transparency and visible community impact.
The revenue sharing funds were distributed among three districts based on their proximity to the conservation areas: Kanungu District, UGX 1,175,006,492; Kisoro District, UGX 636,120,504 (UGX 525,030,566 from Bwindi and UGX 111,089,938 from Mgahinga); and Rubanda District, UGX 386,432,622
Rubanda District Chairperson Kasyaba Stephen, speaking on behalf of beneficiary districts, welcomed the support and pledged responsible use of the funds.
“We welcome this support with open arms. It comes at a time when our communities are eager to see the rewards of their support for conservation,” he said. “We will ensure every shilling is accounted for and directed to projects that matter.”
Stephen highlighted that local governments are now better positioned under the new Revenue Sharing Regulations to implement community centered projects with clear deliverables.
Kanungu Resident District Commissioner Gaad Rugaju Ahimbisibwe issued a stern warning about the need for transparency in fund utilization.
“This support is a symbol of trust. Let us not betray it,” the RDC cautioned. “The communities must feel these funds through better services and visible improvements. We are watching, and we will follow up.”
Ahimbisibwe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring revenue sharing delivers meaningful transformation at the grassroots level, urging political and technical leaders to collaborate in safeguarding the program’s integrity.
The allocated funds will support priority community projects identified through local consultations, including educational facilities, health centers, water systems, and alternative livelihood programs.
These initiatives are designed to create lasting improvements in the quality of life for communities that have supported conservation efforts in the region.
The disbursement ceremony attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including district commissioners, chairpersons, chief administrative officers, UWA board members, local council leaders, religious figures, media representatives, conservation area staff, and community members from neighbouring parishes.
This revenue sharing initiative represents a concrete example of how wildlife conservation can generate direct benefits for local communities while fostering stronger partnerships between conservation authorities and the people who live alongside Uganda’s precious natural heritage.