By Robert Ojok

A section of residents of Purongo town council in Nwoya district are demanding for free tour in Murchison falls. The affected community claims that such initiative shall make them discover the benefits of conservation and reduce of wildlife crime like trafficking and poaching. The former district chairperson of Nwoya Patrick Okello Oryema is worried of continued gaps between the local community and conservation Authority. According to Okello Patrick, the conservation authorities should allow people surrounding the park to conduct tour in the protected area because some old people who border the conservation area have never entered the park for tour to adventure beautiful sceneries, birds, waterfalls and animals. “These adventures would reduce issues surrounding wildlife crime” Patrick Okello said.

Gilbert David Okot a resident of Lgaji village bordering the conservation area says he learnt about wildlife in Murchison falls national game park in school.
The chairperson of Purongo smart youth ex-poachers group Denis Okoya with about 24-reformed poachers says alongside access to protected areas, Uganda national authority should support youth livelihoods programs. “Skills in vocational studies and equipping the youth would divert their minds for poaching and trafficking as a source of income” Okoya reveald.

Wilson Kagoro, the community Laison Officer at Murchison falls National game park says the park is self-sustaining with primary revenue source is from park entrance fees but case by case can be handled. Wilson Kagoro added that organized groups can be given permission to enter and have tourism activities in the protected areas.