MASINDI, May 1, 2025 – Journalists in the Greater Masindi region, operating under the umbrella of the Greater Masindi Media Practitioners’ Association [GMEPA], have been called upon to become ambassadors for conservation in their daily work.
During the training journalists were told that conservation challenges are being faced by the Uganda National Wildlife Authority [UWA] especially in Murchison National Park that covers some sections of Masindi district.
“In Murchison Falls National Park, we are facing numerous challenges ranging from poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, road kills, diseases, livestock grazing, habitat change, and insufficient conservation efforts. This is where we need you the most, especially in areas of public sensitisation,” said Fred Kiiza, Chief Warden of Murchison Falls National Park.
Kiiza was speaking during a training session organised by UWA at Kolping Hotel in Masindi Town.
Kiiza urged journalists to acquire adequate knowledge on nature conservation in order to effectively educate the public. He also encouraged them to promote community tourism, stressing that tourism is not limited to game parks alone. “We want the population to embrace community tourism as a means to generate economic and social benefits,” he said.
GMEPA comprises journalists from the three districts of Masindi, Buliisa, and Kiryandongo. The half-day training aimed to equip journalists with techniques and knowledge in wildlife conservation reporting.
Bashir Hangi, UWA’s Communications Manager, highlighted the importance of empowering journalists with skills in wildlife reporting. He noted that UWA cannot operate in isolation and emphasised the crucial role the media plays in informing the public about wildlife conservation and the country’s tourism potential.
Augustus Bigirwenkya, a journalist with Radio 7 Uganda, appealed to UWA to provide grants for journalists interested in reporting on wildlife conservation. He argued that such support would help raise awareness about the importance of conservation and promote community-based tourism.
Makolo Mulumba, a journalist with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Radio West, praised UWA for maintaining a strong working relationship with journalists and communities neighbouring national parks, particularly Murchison Falls. He noted that as a result, many local residents have abandoned poaching in favour of alternative livelihoods.
During the training, journalists were also briefed on conservation efforts within the park and UWA’s core mandate.
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