New Mbale zoo to boost tourism, trade
The establishment of a zoo in Mbale City, situated on a low ridge at the foothill of Wanale ridge in the Bugisu Sub-region, is poised to boost tourism and trade.
The zoo will host various species, including birds, reptiles, plants, and animals such as black and white colobus monkeys. The monkeys are significant as their skins and tails are used by the Bamasaba in traditional circumcision ceremonies.
This development follows the National Forestry Authority’s (NFA) donation of 37 acres of land in Mbale Central Forest Reserve on the Mbale-Tororo road to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWEC) for the establishment of satellite conservation centres aimed at boosting regional tourism.
Similar centres will also be established in Kyenjojo, Gulu, and Mbarara districts, targeting both local and international tourists.
Mr David Masolo, a resident of Napoli village in Bugema-Nauyo Town Council, expressed local excitement about the influx of tourists.
