MBALE, Uganda – The roar of lions is now part of Mt. Elgon’s soundscape.
In preparation for the official inauguration of Uganda’s first regional satellite zoo, the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre – Mbale has begun receiving animals. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) launched the translocation exercise towards the end of May 2026, moving wildlife into the new semi-wild ecosystem at UWEC-Mbale Zoo, located in the Mt. Elgon Conservation Area.
Phase one of the project aims to relocate 16 animal species. So far, the zoo has welcomed 2 lions, 1 zebra, 1 waterbuck, 1 ostrich, and several peacocks. All are now freely roaming the center’s natural habitat.
Dr Victor Musiime, Senior Veterinary Doctor at UWA and leader of the translocation team, confirmed the animals are healthy and adjusting well.
“All the animals are in good state and adapting well to their new environment,” he said.
Until now, schools and tourists from Uganda’s eastern districts had to travel all the way to Entebbe Zoo for wildlife education and tourism. UWEC-Mbale Zoo is designed to close that gap.
By decentralising conservation education services through such satellite zoos, wildlife is brought closer to the people enabling them to connect, understand, and take action towards its conservation.
The Mbale facility will serve students, families, and conservationists across the Mt. Elgon region, making it easier to experience lions, zebras, and other species without the 7+ hour trip to Entebbe. With more species expected in the initial phase, UWEC-Mbale Zoo is counting down to its official opening.
Once inaugurated, it will become Uganda’s first regional wildlife education center outside Entebbe bringing conservation education from the shores of Lake Victoria to the foothills of Mt. Elgon.
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