This weekend, the Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) Board, led by its President, Mrs. Yogi Biriggwa, embarked on an inspiring visit to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary. She was joined by UTA Vice President Mr. Isa Kato, Secretary General Mr. Peter Mwanja, Board Member Mr. Evans, Coordinator Mr. Joshua Akampurila, and Technical Advisor Prof. Edwin Sabuhoro of Penn State University.
In a strong show of unity for conservation and tourism promotion, the team was accompanied by the CEO of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), Mrs. Juliana Kagwa Mukasa, who continues to champion the Explore Uganda brand across the country.
At Ngamba Island, the delegation was warmly received by the Sanctuary’s Executive Director, Dr. Joshua Rukundo, whose leadership has been instrumental in transforming the island into a model of conservation and tourism. The team toured the island aboard a newly acquired boat, interacted with the sanctuary staff, and even experienced the thrill of feeding the chimpanzees our closest cousins, sharing 98.7% of human DNA. “I have just discovered that I am an ape” Juliana exclaimed with excitement.
Dr. Rukundo expressed gratitude for the visit and stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration. He called on the private sector and tourism stakeholders to support Ngamba through research, conservation partnerships, investment, and increased visits. “It is through joint partnerships that we now have a new boat, improving our product and guest experience. More still needs to be done, and with strategic collaborations, we can save more chimps from the wild and wildlife crime,” he noted.
The visit highlighted the shared commitment of UTA and Ngamba Island Sanctuary to conservation, tourism growth, and building sustainable partnerships for Uganda’s wildlife heritage.
