The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, has praised private conservation initiatives for complementing government efforts to protect wildlife and diversify Uganda’s tourism products.
Nakawuki made the remarks during a visit to the CTC Conservation Center in Lukalu Village, Mpigi District, where she described the facility as an innovative model that combines wildlife conservation, environmental education, and experiential tourism.
She said facilities such as the CTC Conservation Center strengthen public appreciation for wildlife by allowing visitors to engage with animals in carefully managed environments while learning about the importance of conservation.
The Minister noted that private conservation centres play a vital role in supporting Uganda’s biodiversity conservation agenda while expanding tourism attractions beyond the country’s national parks.
Located about 15 minutes from Mpigi Town along the Kampala–Masaka Highway, the CTC Conservation Center was established in 2015 and is home to a wide range of wildlife species, including lions, hyenas, African painted dogs, jackals, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, lemurs, reptiles, antelopes, and several other animals.
During her tour of the facility, Nakawuki observed the centre’s conservation programmes, where visitors, under professional supervision, can feed giraffes, walk alongside zebras, interact with lemurs and reptiles, and participate in other educational wildlife experiences.
She commended the centre’s commitment to conservation and environmental education, saying such experiences create greater awareness about wildlife protection and inspire more people, particularly young learners, to appreciate Uganda’s rich natural heritage.
CTC Conservation Center Founder and Director Thomas Price welcomed the Minister’s visit, saying it provided an opportunity to demonstrate how responsible wildlife interactions can promote conservation.
“We are very happy to have hosted the Minister today. There is a significant difference between simply seeing an animal behind a cage and having a carefully managed opportunity to get close to wildlife. Those experiences create memories that last a lifetime, especially for children, and help build a lifelong appreciation for conservation,” Price said.
Price also announced that the centre has acquired an additional 52 acres of land to establish a future elephant sanctuary, adding that the project has already been licensed.
He thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities and the Uganda Wildlife Authority for supporting the centre’s long-term conservation vision.
As Uganda seeks to grow its tourism sector, Nakawuki said partnerships with private conservation facilities will remain critical in promoting wildlife conservation, environmental education, and unique visitor experiences that enhance the country’s tourism appeal.
