The reigning Miss Wildlife, Hilda Kabushenga has appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to spare Mabira Forest Reserve saying it is part of the unique heritage that Uganda has.

It is known that the Sugar Corporation of Uganda in Lugazi (SCOUL) wants part of the forest to be deforested to develop cultivation of sugarcane.

Speaking in an interview over the weekend, Kabushenga, a good will ambassador of the Wildlife Clubs of Uganda (WCU) said Mabira is an important habitat for wild animals and tourism.

She added that according to her research and consultation she has carried out, results come out to be that the forest should stay because it contributes to Uganda’s good climate which hence attracts more tourists. She added that without the forest, animals would disappear.

Kabushenga advised that the President of Uganda shouldn’t give out Mabira because the environment is the back borne of the economy and once destructed it would lead to more poverty.

Kabushenga said, “Those engaged in environmental advocacy should make it more appealing and relevant to the common people if they want them to understand. “Only this way will everybody play their role in keeping the environment.”

Miss Wildlife Kabushenga who is a former student at Kabojja Secondary School will soon move to Cape Town, South African to study law but before she will take up voluntary work with environmental conservation groups that will benefit children.

BY TANAH HADIJAH

UGANDA TOURISM