Minister launches World Wildlife Day 2026 amid Kampala street clearance

5 February 2026, 2:17 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra, has officially launched the World Wildlife Day 2026 celebrations in Kampala, in collaboration with key stakeholders. The global event, which will be marked on 3 March 2026, will be celebrated under the theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conservation, Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”

Speaking at the launch, Minister Mugarra called upon all Ugandans to actively participate in the celebrations and support efforts to conserve medicinal and aromatic plants, which play a vital role in biodiversity, cultural heritage and community livelihoods. He revealed that several activities, including a marathon and a quiz competition, will be held ahead of the main event to raise awareness and encourage public engagement.

In a related development, the Chief Executive Officer of the Uganda Tourism Board, Julz Kaggwa, emphasised the need for Uganda to diversify its tourism sector beyond traditional wildlife viewing and sightseeing. She noted that global tourism trends are increasingly shifting towards cultural, heritage and wellness experiences.

Citing Thailand as an example, Kaggwa explained that Uganda has the potential to develop herbal and medicinal tourism products that could attract more visitors and enhance the country’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.

Meanwhile, following recent festivities in Kampala, the government has ordered street traders and hawkers to vacate the city with immediate effect. Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, together with officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), announced that the grace period granted to traders has ended.

She warned that all boda bodas and taxis operating in ungazetted parks have been banned, and street vendors have been given two weeks to vacate voluntarily. Those who fail to comply will be forcefully removed and taken to court.

Kabanda also cautioned KCCA staff against soliciting money from traders, warning that any official found engaging in such practices will be arrested and prosecuted. She stressed that the clean-up exercise is intended to restore order in Kampala and make the city more organised for everyone.

The Deputy Executive Director of KCCA, Benon Kigenyi, supported the move, saying congestion in the city has reached unacceptable levels. He explained that traders had been allowed to operate temporarily on the streets, but that this arrangement was never intended to be permanent.

Kigenyi added that alternative market spaces are available at Usafi and in other areas, and that KCCA is investing in infrastructure to support business operations. He appealed to traders and transport operators to cooperate with the authorities so that Kampala can become a cleaner, safer and more organised city.