Philip Davis, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, expressed admiration for Uganda’s conservation initiatives during his visit to Ngamba Chimpanzee Island on Lake Victoria. Coordinated by the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), the trip showcased Uganda’s commitment to preserving natural habitats for future generations.
Led by David Bahati, Uganda’s Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, the Prime Minister embarked on an afternoon excursion on Lake Victoria. Davis commended Uganda’s efforts in conservation, emphasizing the importance of such endeavors in safeguarding the environment.
Expressing his long-standing fascination with Lake Victoria since his high school days, Prime Minister Davis noted the significance of experiencing the beauty of the lake firsthand. The visit included a unique activity where Davis and his entourage fed the 53 chimpanzees on Ngamba Island, describing it as a lifetime experience.
During the visit, Davis praised the Chimpanzee Trust for their dedication to caring for orphaned chimpanzees, acknowledging the challenges wildlife faces due to human behavior. The sanctuary, which is home to not only chimpanzees but also monitor lizards, otters, and various bird species, received appreciation for its role in environmental stewardship.
David Bahati expressed gratitude for Davis’ visit, attributing it to the outcomes of the NAM summit. Dr. Joshua Rukundo, the executive director for Ngamba Chimpanzee Island, outlined the sanctuary’s goal for the year, seeking $1,000,000 for safe investments to sustain operations independently.
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change, Ngamba chimpanzee management has reimagined strategies to foster coexistence between humans, wildlife, and their environment. As they enter 2024, their commitment to conserving chimpanzees and advancing wildlife preservation remains steadfast.
Lilly Ajarova, CEO of the UTB, emphasized the profound impact of hosting global events like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit and the G77+China summit. Such events serve as platforms to showcase Uganda’s tourism products, achievements, and capabilities to a diverse global audience, attracting investments and fostering international collaborations.
Ajarova highlighted the substantial economic impact of these events, contributing to sustainable growth and development. The visit by the Prime Minister of the Bahamas further strengthens ties between the two nations, with the Bahamas being an island country in the Atlantic Ocean with an economy centered around tourism and offshore finance.
