By Joseph Mary Buwule
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has commenced the relocation of wildlife to the country’s first regional satellite zoo in Eastern Uganda, marking a significant milestone in efforts to bring wildlife conservation, education, and tourism closer to communities outside the capital.
According to UWA, several animals have already been transferred to the new facility, known as the UWEC–Mbale Zoo, ahead of its official opening scheduled for June 12, 2026. The animals currently settling into their new home include lions, a zebra, a waterbuck, an ostrich, and peacocks.
UWA said the animals are adapting well to their new environment, with officials expressing optimism that the zoo will become a major centre for wildlife education, conservation awareness, and tourism development in the Eastern Uganda region.
The establishment of the Mbale Zoo is expected to provide residents, students, researchers, and visitors with easier access to wildlife experiences without having to travel long distances to other conservation facilities.
The project forms part of broader efforts by UWA to promote conservation awareness among local communities while supporting domestic tourism and environmental education. By bringing wildlife closer to the people, authorities hope to inspire greater appreciation and protection of Uganda’s rich biodiversity.
The new facility is also expected to contribute to the local economy through job creation and increased visitor numbers to Mbale City and the surrounding areas.
As preparations for the official launch enter the final stages, UWA has urged the public to stay tuned for more updates regarding the opening ceremony and the development of the regional zoo.
The official opening of the UWEC–Mbale Zoo is set for June 12, 2026, ushering in a new chapter in Uganda’s wildlife conservation and tourism sector. The development is expected to strengthen conservation outreach efforts, expand access to wildlife education, and enhance tourism opportunities in Eastern Uganda and beyond.