The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is to give out Shs330 million to four districts neighbouring Murchison Falls National Park.

This was announced by Senior Warden of Murchison Falls National Park Conservation area, Mr. Stonewall Kato, at the signing of an agreement between UWA and the local community of Karuma wildlife conservation area.

The signing took place at Nanda Primary School in Masindi district on December 3. He said that they have over 330 million shillings to share with the community.

He said the money would supplement the revenue of 15 sub- counties in the districts of Masindi, Apac, Nebbi, and Gulu. Kato urged the beneficiaries to identify viable projects in which they would invest the money. He said the money was available on UWA accounts and it was up to the beneficiaries to present viable project proposals to the sub- county authorities for approval.

The two-year agreement allows placing of beehives, fetching of firewood, cutting grass for thatching, getting craft materials, grasshoppers and white ants in the reserve, but prohibits grazing, poaching and charcoal burning.
This will create a bridge between the community and the game park.
He said the agreement facilitates shared resource management between the community and the UWA staff to allow accountable utilization of the natural resources.
At the same meeting 17 poachers surrendered their weapons to Uganda Wildlife Authority. The weapons included spears, bows and arrows. It was the second time poachers were handing over their weapons to UWA in Masindi district. Last month 50 poachers handed over weapons to UWA.

Uganda wildlife news