Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja oversaw the handover of Entebbe Botanical Gardens from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC). Established in 1898 and home to over 115 bird species, this marks a new chapter for one of Africa’s oldest Botanical Gardens.
The decision aims to unlock the Gardens’ potential by revitalizing infrastructure, trails, and amenities. UWEC will now manage the Gardens on behalf of the Ministry, enhancing security and implementing new marketing strategies. Tourism Minister Tom Butiime and industry stakeholders witnessed the transfer.
Tourism Minister Butime announced the complete transfer, placing the gardens under UWEC’s direct management. This move is expected to offer visitors a seamless experience, combining fauna and flora attractions for enhanced revenue generation. The next steps involve awaiting funds to transform the gardens, improving plant management, research, and tourism services.
The initiative originated from a presidential directive last year in response to mismanagement reports and security concerns. The President ordered the transfer to the tourism sector while instructing NARO to continue plant-related research. Reports of leased portions and suspicious constructions prompted the directive.
State Minister for Tourism, Martin Mugara Bahinduka, sees the transition positively, emphasizing collaboration continuity. However, UWEC must address identified management challenges. The move will alleviate overcrowding, introduce flora tourism and nature walks, enriching UWEC’s offerings.
Dr. James Musinguzi, UWEC’s Executive Director, welcomes the move’s potential but awaits the formal handover. With expanded activities, additional funding is crucial for UWEC to meet educational and conservation standards.
Initially an agricultural research facility, the botanical gardens transformed into a tourism center under NARO’s management. Appreciated for landscapes, plants, and a scenic lakeshore, it attracts visitors with entrance fees ranging from 2,000 to 20,000 shillings.
