UWA warns against wildlife cuddling

As Uganda positions itself as a premier destination for nature-based tourism, wildlife authorities are tightening oversight of animal centres and sanctuaries to ensure that tourism supports, not undermines, conservation. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has, as a result, issued a stern warning against wildlife activities that allow close physical contact with wild animals, saying such practices contravene the conditions of user permits and licenses as well as undermine wildlife conservation. The warning follows the circulation of photographs and videos on social media of tourists, some of them celebrities, hugging, kissing, carrying or posing in very close proximity with animals. Dr. James Musinguzi, the UWA executive director, said such encounters send the wrong conservation message while exposing both people and animals to great risks. Aisha Kabanda, the former woman representative for Butambala district carrying a lion cub at CTC being assisted by the proprietor of the centre Thomas Price (left) as kick boxer Moses Golola (2nd left) and singer Navio (right) look on. (Courtesy Photo)