Uganda Wild Life Education Centre (UWEC) commonly known as Entebbe Zoo is set to host the first world Wild Life Day in Uganda tomorrow March 3. Uwec will host the event under the theme: Wild Life Crime is serious. Let’s get serious about wild Life Crime aimed at combating and protecting endangered species such as elephants and Rhinos that are poached for their Ivory and horns. Minister of Tourism, wildlife and antiquities Maria Mutagamba and RT. Hon. Ruhakaana Rugunda are expected to be guests of honour. Several wild life conservation bodies including Uganda Wild Life Authority, Africa Wild Wide Fund, Ngamba Island chimpanzee Sanctuary are also expected to attend.
The day’s activities will include entertainment from St. Thereza primary school, St. Mary’s college Kisubi and Nkumba University aimed at sensitizing the public about the importance of conserving and protecting wild Life.
In his message to the world United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki moon has urged all consumers, suppliers and governments to treat crimes against wildlife as a threat to the sustainable future.
“Getting serious about wildlife crime means enrolling the support of all sections of society involved in the production and consumption of wildlife products, which are widely used as medicines, food, building materials, furniture, cosmetics, clothing and accessories. Law enforcement efforts must be supported by the wider community. Businesses and the general public in all countries can play a major role by, for example, refusing to buy or auction illegal ivory and rhinoceros horn, and insisting that products from the world’s oceans and tropical forests have been legally obtained and sustainably sourced” the statement read.
