Responsible Tourism Wild Run Uganda in Kibale National Park
On 1st July 2017, Wild Run Uganda set up a base for Responsible Tourism at Kibale National Park, the Primate Capital of the World. The Theme was ‘Run for Tourism Awareness and Wildlife Conservation’.
Responsible Tourism generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities. It involves promoting sustainable tourism and Wild Run Uganda is a non-government project that takes this step.
Mr. Abdul Muhiire the Chief Executive Officer –Wild Run Uganda engaged in participation meetings a month earlier and these involved the Local Councils, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, and Uganda Wildlife Education Centre among others.
In support of Responsible Tourism, Travelers Link Africa LTD partnered with Wild Run Uganda for the Kibale Wild Run.
The local community is a key stakeholder in ensuring the protection of wildlife both inside and outside Uganda’s protected areas. Wild Run Uganda management ensured that locally owned accommodations were 1st priority to be filled up and logistics for the Run were sourced and procured from local communities around the parks.
Registered Participants from Kampala set off on 30th June from Kampala to Kibale with a lunch stop in Mubende. Arrival was early evening and we were welcomed by a host of Baboons at the entrance gate. Members were dropped off at various accommodation places to relax till time for the campfire while a few members had tasks already set to do before the Run.
Tasks included: Assisting with Tents and Public announcement systems, Meeting the Local Community Band Group Team Leader, T-shirt distribution, Numbers of participants, Radio station talk show appearance, Procuring refreshments for the community, Gift hampers for the winners, Campfire set up for the evening, liaising with Local Councils on final views and input before the Run, Security and Health Committee briefing. Check start points for Run.
Hon Chris Opoka – East Africa Legislative Assembly member representing Uganda and Hon Ruhunda Alex – Member of Parliament Fortportal Municipality officiate the function.
Early morning at 06:30hrs on 1st July members at the starting point assisted with allocating numbers to the participants for the 5km and 10km Run and the 5 km walk. Already some participants were having jogging exercises around the field. Set off was by 9:00 am and by 14:00hrs, the function had closed with winners getting prices like Basins, Jerrycans, Gift harpers from Movit, and Cash prices for the top 10. Corporate Sponsors were awarded Medals and treated to a luncheon at Chimpanzee Forest Guest House and Cottages.
The Local Community needs to appreciate the benefits of Tourism in Uganda. 20% of park entrance revenue from the national parks is used for the Livelihood project. It is from such benefits that the Community is able to conserve and promote sustainable tourism.
A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Kibale Wild Run: Kyenjojo Tourism and Conservation Initiative, Hits FM- Boda Boda, Kibale – Queen Tourism and Conservation Initiative, Kabarole Tourism and Conservation Initiative, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, Mbarara Tourism Information Centre, Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and China Railway Seventh Group Company, Nature Lodges, Bigodi Homesteads, Chimpanzee Forest Guest House and Campsite, Rweetera Safari Park, Movit Uganda and the Kibale Community at Large.
The Next Run is at Rwenzori National Park – Mihunga Wild Run on the 29th of July 2017.
Let’s participate in Responsible Tourism, Let’s Run for Tourism Awareness, and Wildlife Conservation.
