The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has received 116 rain ponchos from the Exclusive Sustainable Tour Operators Association (ESTOA) to support ranger operations in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, one of Uganda’s most important conservation areas.
The donation was officially received on Friday by UWA Executive Director, Dr. James Musinguzi, and is aimed at improving the welfare and operational efficiency of frontline rangers working in harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.
According to UWA, the rain ponchos will significantly support rangers engaged in gorilla tracking, routine patrols, and other conservation duties within the park, particularly during heavy rainfall seasons when field operations become more demanding.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to nearly half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas. The park’s dense rainforest terrain, steep slopes, and frequent rains make conservation work both physically challenging and logistically complex, requiring appropriate protective gear for rangers on duty.
The contribution by ESTOA is expected to strengthen ongoing conservation efforts while also improving the welfare and safety of the rangers who play a critical role in protecting Uganda’s endangered mountain gorillas and rich biodiversity.
UWA welcomed the donation as a timely boost to field operations, noting that partnerships with tourism stakeholders continue to play a key role in supporting conservation work and sustainable tourism in Uganda’s protected areas.
The Authority emphasized that such collaborations are vital in ensuring that both wildlife protection and tourism development progress hand in hand, especially in globally significant ecosystems like Bwindi.
