The mountain gorilla killers in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park; Fideli Begumisa, Ronald Byamugisha and Amos Kazongo were recently fined Shs. 50,000 which is approximately $20 dollars. This is peanut is comparison to the money mountain gorillas brings into the economy. A gorilla tracking fee costs $500 per person and this caters also for the park entrance fees as well as the guide fees.
Uganda Wildlife Authority officials, the body charged with taking care of the wildlife in Uganda; have vowed to raise the matter with the office of the Chief Justice. The three culprits were each charged with just under $20 which is no where near what a gorilla permit costs.
Tourism in Uganda has seen a significant growth thanks to the attraction of mountain gorillas which can only be found in Bwindi impenetrable forest and Mgahinga national parks in Uganda. In 2009, mountain gorilla tour fees brought in $3m which is a significant amount.
It is not uncommon to find Uganda safari packages involving a gorilla safari to Bwindi. List as critically endangered, there are only about 800 mountain gorillas left in the wild.
If the Country can up the protection afforded to wildlife in the protected areas as well as outside of it. It will greatly help in promoting tourism and preserving our natural heritage.
Friday, September 16, 2011
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