By Our Reporter | Mbale City — The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, has proposed that some animals at the newly established Eastern Uganda Wildlife Conservation Centre be named after the Umukuka of Bugisu as a strategy to promote wildlife conservation and discourage the hunting and consumption of wild animals.
Masiga made the proposal during a stakeholders’ sensitization meeting held on Thursday at Palace Dream Hotel in Mbale City ahead of the official opening of the Eastern Uganda Wildlife Conservation Centre, scheduled for June 12.
Addressing cultural leaders, government officials, security chiefs, and conservation stakeholders, Masiga argued that giving selected animals names associated with the Umukuka would create a sense of respect and cultural attachment among local communities.
“If we name some of these animals after the Umukuka, people will fear eating them because it will be assumed they are eating the Umukuka,” Masiga said. “Many of our people consume wild animals, and we need innovative ways of encouraging conservation.”
The proposed wildlife centre is situated on land belonging to the Umukuka of Bugisu, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma. Masiga said it would be fitting for some animals at the facility to bear names associated with the cultural leader in recognition of his support for conservation efforts.
Drawing examples from other parts of the world, Masiga noted that several animals and species have been named after royalty and prominent figures. He cited examples of animals named after members of royal families, including King Charles III.
He recommended that strong and iconic animals such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, and monkeys be considered for such recognition.
“We need powerful animals like lions and elephants named after the reigning Umukuka. These animals symbolize strength and leadership,” he said, while cautioning against assigning the name to animals perceived as weak or insignificant.
Masiga further encouraged other distinguished Bamasaba personalities to support the conservation centre and have animals named after them, a practice already adopted at wildlife conservation facilities in other parts of Uganda.
He challenged communities in the Bugisu sub-region to change their perception of wildlife and view animals as a source of tourism revenue rather than food.
“We should not look at monkeys, buffaloes, and other wildlife as sauce. These animals are a tourism resource that can create jobs and bring development to our region,” he said.
He pledged that the Bugisu Cultural Institution would work closely with conservation agencies to mobilize communities and promote wildlife protection initiatives.
The meeting brought together officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), which recently merged under a single management structure. Other attendees included Commissioner Musingo from the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Matanda of the Mt. Elgon Conservation Area, Emmanuel Mukisa, and senior officials overseeing the Eastern Wildlife Conservation Centre.
The Eastern Uganda Wildlife Conservation Centre is expected to become a major tourism attraction in the region, contributing to environmental conservation, wildlife education, and economic development.
