Uganda Wildlife Authority faces difficulties distributing approximately 1.5 billion shillings designated for communities neighboring Queen Elizabeth National Park after local government officials failed to provide proper accounting for previous allocations. Captain John Tugume, the park's chief executive officer, explained that eight districts including Ibanda, Kasese, Rubirizi, Rukungiri, Mitoma, Kitagwenda, Kanungu and Kamwenge, received 1.2 billion shillings during the 2023-2024 period but have not demonstrated how those resources were utilized.
The revenue-sharing program allocates 20 percent of gate collections to support communities affected by wildlife damage, particularly from elephants destroying agricultural land. Funds are meant to finance income-generating activities such as beekeeping, goat rearing and dairy farming in areas adjacent to protected zones.
Queen Elizabeth National Park recorded 128,608 visitors compared with 90,851 during the previous period while generating total revenue exceeding 8.7 billion shillings.
The revenue-sharing program allocates 20 percent of gate collections to support communities affected by wildlife damage, particularly from elephants destroying agricultural land. Funds are meant to finance income-generating activities such as beekeeping, goat rearing and dairy farming in areas adjacent to protected zones.
Queen Elizabeth National Park recorded 128,608 visitors compared with 90,851 during the previous period while generating total revenue exceeding 8.7 billion shillings.
