On Wednesday, the Uganda Wildlife Authority handed out over sh3 billion to six districts surrounding the Murchison Falls protected area for revenue sharing.
The money should empower communities surrounding that national park given their role in the conservation efforts.
“The disbursement underscores the government’s commitment to recognizing and empowering communities that are essential to the conservation of the country’s wildlife.” UWA said.
At Nwoya District headquarters, the disbursement event held was presided over by the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Tom Butime who emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting the crucial role local communities play in conservation.
Butime said that today’s disbursement is a testament to the government’s recognition of the indispensable role that communities play in conserving our wildlife.
To ensuring that the benefits of conservation are shared equitably with those who live closest to protected areas, Butiime said 3.15 billion shillings was not a financial transaction, but rather a reflection of the government’s commitment.
Butime promised that as tourism continues to recover, we anticipate even greater contribution to those communities in the future fostering both conservation and developments.
While Oyam located in the Lango area received over 220 millings, Pakwach district in the West Nile region received over 360 million shillings.
Bulisa district received over 810 million shillings followed by Kiryandongo with over 746 million shillings and Nwoya with over 715 million. Masindi district received 297 million shillings.
In Uganda, revenue sharing is gaining popularity in wildlife conservation which is one of the efforts to change the attitudes of communities around the national parks.
With the people surrounding the national parks and wildlife reserves, UWA shares 20% of its annual park revenue in what they have termed “revenue sharing”
Money from revenue sharing is sent by UWA to the districts that keep 5% to cover administration costs and pass the remaining 95% on to the sub-counties for the agreed project.
Since 2005, the revenue sharing in conservation has been running. “The project established for revenue sharing has positively affected the communities by improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in those communities.” Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Executive Director, Sam Mwandah said.
Mwandah said that they are confident that the funds released today will further enhance livelihoods in these districts.
On behalf of all the districts, Nwoya district Chairperson, Emmanuel Orach expressed gratitude. “The districts neighboring the protected areas face numerous challenges mainly arising from the animal crop raids.” Orach said.
Orach said that our communities have long borne the cost of living alongside wildlife, but with these funds, they are seeing tangible benefits. They are committed to ensuring that these resources are used wisely.
In Busita, Nwoya, and Pakwach, there have been numerous complaints about elephant-crop raids. By wildlife, some people have also been killed. The law also requires UWA to compensate those affected once the wildlife move beyond the park boundaries.
