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Karuma Town Council in Kiryandongo District has officially unveiled three community development projects worth 79 million shillings, funded under the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) revenue-sharing programme.

At the launch ceremony held at the town council headquarters, Town Clerk Edith Kafuko revealed that the funds would be used to construct five VIP public toilets, open a 3.2-kilometer labor-based community access road valued at 15 million shillings, and procure over 62 goats to support local livelihoods.

“These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to using UWA revenue to uplift the standards of living in communities neighboring wildlife reserves,” Kafuko stated.

Call for Strategic Investment

Kiryandongo Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Anselm Kyaligonza, urged both residents and leaders to reconsider how UWA funds are invested. He recommended prioritising long-term infrastructure projects such as administrative buildings, which leave a lasting impact.

“In Buliisa District, UWA’s contribution is visible in a secondary school that now bears their identity, even painted in UWA colours,” he remarked. “But how do you expect goats to reflect that legacy? Many will be consumed within a year. We need to shift our mindset.”

Kyaligonza challenged the town council to plan for permanent structures in future allocations. “UWA has been disbursing funds since 2004, but where’s the evidence? Imagine Karuma Town Council having offices proudly displaying a plaque that reads: Built with UWA support. Let’s think long-term.”

He also cautioned contractors against delivering poor-quality work. Addressing Translink, the firm executing the projects, Kyaligonza stressed the importance of maintaining construction standards and transparency. He further tasked District Engineer Joseph Candia with ensuring project timelines and quality benchmarks are strictly followed.

Implementation Concerns Raised

Emmanuel Okello, a community conservation ranger with Karuma Wildlife Reserve under Murchison Falls National Park, echoed Kyaligonza’s concerns. He noted that while UWA has consistently allocated funds to local communities since 2004, the overall impact has often fallen short due to delays and ineffective execution.

“UWA is committed to giving back 20% of tourism gate collections as part of our corporate social responsibility,” Okello said. “It’s now the responsibility of the communities to ensure this money translates into tangible change.”

Praise for UWA’s Support

Resident District Commissioner Dan Muganga applauded UWA for its continued support to communities bordering protected areas. He emphasised the vital role such partnerships play in fostering both conservation efforts and community development.

“These collaborations are crucial for sustainable development and preserving our natural heritage,” Muganga noted.

The launch marks a renewed call for strategic planning, quality implementation, and community ownership in ensuring that UWA-funded projects bring lasting benefits to the people of Karuma and beyond.