Nwoya , Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Wildlife Authority on Wednesday 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.
A statement from UWA said the disbursement underscores the government’s commitment to recognizing and empowering communities that are essential to the conservation of the country’s wildlife.
The disbursement event, held at Nwoya District headquarters, 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.
“Today’s disbursement is a testament to the government’s recognition of the indispensable role that communities play in conserving our wildlife,” said Butiime.
Butiime said 3.15 billion shillings was not a financial transaction, but rather a reflection of the government’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of conservation are shared equitably with those who live closest to protected areas.
“As tourism continues to recover, we anticipate even greater contribution to those communities in the future fostering both conservation and developments,” Butiime promised.
Pakwach district in the West Nile region received over 360 million shillings, while Oyam located in the Lango area received over 220 millings.
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.
Revenue sharing is gaining popularity in wildlife conservation in Uganda. It is one of the efforts to change the attitudes of communities around the national parks.
UWA shares 20% of its annual park revenue with the people surrounding our national parks and wildlife reserves in what we 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.
The revenue sharing in conservation has been running since 2005. Uganda Wildlife Authority’s Executive Director, Sam Mwandah said the project established for revenue sharing has positively affected the communities by improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare in those communities.
“We are confident that the funds released today will further enhance livelihoods in these districts,” said Mwandah.
Nwoya district Chairperson, Emmanuel Orach expressed gratitude on behalf of all the districts. Orach said the districts neighboring the protected areas face numerous challenges mainly arising from the animal crop raids.
“Our communities have long borne the cost of living alongside wildlife, but with these funds, we are seeing tangible benefits. We are committed to ensuring that these resources are used wisely,” Orach said.
There have been numerous complaints about elephant-crop raids in Bulisa, Nwoya, and Pakwach. Some people have also been killed by wildlife. The law also requires UWA to compensate those affected once the wildlife move beyond the park boundaries.