The state minister for tourism, wildlife, and antiquities has called on Ugandans to embrace domestic tourism by exploring the country's diverse attractions, saying memorable wildlife experiences are no longer confined to national parks and game reserves. During a visit to the Conservation Through Community Conservation Center in Butambala District, the minister highlighted the growing role of private conservation initiatives in promoting tourism and environmental protection.

Ugandans have been encouraged to embrace domestic tourism by visiting the country's growing number of conservation centers that are bringing wildlife closer to communities.

The call was made by the state minister for Tourism, wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon. Susan Nsambu Nakawuki, while

in Lukalu, Butambala, at the Conservation Through Community Conservation Centre, a place that offers visitors guided wildlife experiences while promoting environmental education and conservation. Situated about an hour's drive from Kampala, the center is home to lions, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, crocodiles, snakes, lemurs, tigers, and a rare zonkey, providing an alternative wildlife experience outside Uganda's traditional national parks.

Speaking during the familiarization visit, Hon. Susan Nsambu Nakawuki described the experience as memorable after interacting with several animals, including feeding giraffes, zebras, and lemurs, and coming face-to-face with a lion.

She urged Ugandans to appreciate the country's natural heritage by exploring attractions beyond the well-known game parks, saying private conservation centers are expanding tourism opportunities while making wildlife more accessible to families, students, and other visitors.

The proprietor of the Conservation Through Community Conservation Centre, Thomas Price, said the facility was established to inspire a greater appreciation of wildlife through responsible and guided interaction with animals.

He revealed plans to expand the conservation area by acquiring an additional 52 acres of land to create larger habitats and eventually establish an elephant sanctuary. Price added that supervised wildlife encounters, especially for children, help inspire future generations to value and protect nature.

As Uganda continues to promote domestic tourism, stakeholders believe private and community-based conservation centers will complement national parks by bringing wildlife experiences closer to the public while strengthening conservation awareness, environmental education, and community participation in protecting the country's natural heritage.