THE LEGACY OF DIAN FOSSEY

Ever heard of Dian Fossey or you need to know more about her conservation work? Around the 70s, 80s and 90s, the survival of Apes in Africa had the darkest bit of history. Gorillas and chimpanzees continuously encountered conflict, persecution and poaching from all kinds of humans. Credit then goes to Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall under the guidance of Louis Leakey a fact that the world got to know about their plight in the wild. When Jane Goodall had succeeded in her research on chimpanzees in Gombe Tanzania, Leaky felt that a same study be conducted on mountain gorillas within the Virunga Area and Orangutans Indonesia. Goodall was passion for chimpanzees helped her during her research on complex behavior from these large apes. She discovered that these great apes live in societies and had many traits which include among others waging war against the neighboring rivals. She also managed to come up with how compassionate, affectionate and inventive chimpanzees are. The two then became great primatologists recognized worldwide.

Dian Fossey was born in 1932; California but later grew up with a very strict step dad who was also a business. She didn’t have that parental love something that made love animals instead. She set off for a 7 week tour to Africa where she paid a visit to Tsavo National Park, Mount Mikeno, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge. At Olduvai Gorge, she met Leakey family who briefed her on Jane Goodall and her work with chimpanzees in Gombe. Her first sight at the rare mountain gorillas while on wildlife and gorilla safari in Uganda during her first visit. From Uganda, she spent some time in Rhodesia and later went to Louisville. Several articles were written by her and this impressed Leaky when she had her presentation. She learnt most of the gorillas’ behaviors.

She played exceptional role towards conservation of these critically endangered apes and conducted research. She established Karisoke research center to aid her work on primate conservation however, she still faced challenges across different parties. In order to keep Dian Fossey’s work vibrant, there is Dian Fossey International Fund which was founded to continue with her duties. Her work is worth appreciating a fact that today, these critically endangered apes have increased in number and the world boasts of more than a 1000 individuals.

UGANDA INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL TOURISM FAIR TO TAKE PLACE IN SEPTEMBER

When it comes to safaris in Uganda, expect more than just wildlife! It is one of a few  most culturally diverse countries and its endowed cultural heritage is depicted by its exceptional arts and the most thrilling performances, language, marriage ceremonies, social norms, indigenous knowledge systems of nature and environment, music and dances a mention but a few. With its diverse culture and heritage, Uganda features among the very few most outstanding destinations in the world and to further experience its diversity, the 3^rd Uganda International Cultural Tourism Fair is due to take place between 21^st and 23^rd September at Uganda Museum, Kampala. This year’s fair edition is based on the theme ‘Our diverse cultures empowering each other.’ Uganda is remarkably a melting pot of cultures and this fair will attract several communities both locally and internationally, the youth and grown up, families and exhibitors of different products and many others.

The event will entirely serve as a cultural market where all kinds of art, music, food, beverages, fashion, local brew, poetry, storytelling, display of arts and crafts from various areas in Africa and across border areas a mention but a few. Among other exciting activities that will be part of this remarkable event include school quiz competitions, thematic side conferences on culture and conservation, East Africa high level thematic policy discussion which will include parliamentarians from the East African member states, Ministers of Culture and Minister of tourism across Africa. It will also comprise story telling-Ekyooto session that will see different groups interact despite their races, background, religion and many more. Besides, there will be wildlife display and education by Uganda Wildlife Education Center Entebbe with major focus on totems as spiritual emblems which demonstrate conservation challenges stemming from the old days of the fore fathers. The best performers will be awarded. Over 300 exhibitors of Africa’s cultural products are expected to showcase during this event and about 20000 tourists will be part of it both in Africa and international community.

Partially, the event intends to create employment opportunities by availing skills to the youths and women on how to produce and brand commercial artifacts, memorabilia and many other cultural tourism products both for domestic and international market. About 100 exhibitors will be trained especially those with rare talent and have potential to be developed and included in tourism value chain. The past event was attended by more than 10000 visitors both from within and international community.

In conclusion, culture is a stronghold for most people’s lives, a fact that it impacts much on their values, humor loyalties and sense of identity.

WHY KATONGA IS ON TRACK TO BE THE 11TH NATIONAL PARK

Situated along the northern bank of River Katonga exists Katonga Wildlife Reserve, one of Uganda’s most beautiful protected areas. It covers an area of about 210 square kilometers and surrounded by districts of Kyegegwa and Kamwenge. This spectacular protected area was established in 1964 as a game reserve but previously acted as a hunting site for the Tooro King and the colonialists on other hand made it a sport hunting ground. In a move to turn it into a national park, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA)-a body in charge wildlife conservation has embarked on diversifying its wildlife species in order to boost tourism in the area. To achieve the set goals, translocation exercise for topis, zebras and elands has been conducted from Lake Mburo National Park to Katonga Wildlife Reserve. Elands and topis are among the few most fascinating antelope families which are worth catching a glimpse while on a game drive. Over 2000 impalas, 1000 bushbucks and 500 waterbucks plus several sitatunga the swamp dwelling antelope species thrive within this sanctuary as well as 10 buffaloes, 13 elephants and a few lions. Zebras were first translocated to this reserve around 2015 where 5 of them were introduced but unfortunately, 3 of them returned to Lake Mburo National Park.

Besides, there are also many wetland species, savanna and forest species plus numerous primate species especially the River otter, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys and others. Other wildlife species that live within Katonga include reedbuck, Uganda Kob, duikers, more than 150 bird species as well as reptiles, butterflies and amphibians. Its floral species comprise of varied vegetation especially wooded grassland, grassland, riverine woodlands, papyrus, swamp, riverine grasslands with dominant plant species like Sporobolus festivus and Chloris gayana.

Where to stay at Katonga Game Reserve

Visitors on safari in Katonga Wildlife Reserve can camp or spend a night at Katonga View Hotel and Lodge about two kilometers away from the reserve.

How to reach Katonga Game Reserve

This sanctuary is about four hours’ drive from Kampala and the direct route takes you from Kampala to Mubende to Fort Portal and from Mubende, you drive to Kyegegwa. You may also drive through Kaso, from Mbarara northwards for about 62 kilometers to Ibanda where you will drive for another two kilometers to Kaso. From here, you can inquire about direction for Kabagole. From Mbarara to Katonga, you will spend at least three hours driving.