NAKASONGOLA — The government has been urged to incorporate tourism courses into Uganda’s education curriculum right from lower classes if the country is to improve its tourism potential locally.
Speaking during the naming ceremony of a rhino calf adopted by the Ruparelia Foundation at Rhino Fund Uganda sanctuary in Nakasongola district, Rajiv Ruparelia, the foundation’s managing Director said there is a need for the next generation to learn and value the national parks and other protected national area for the benefit of the country.
He promised that 2021 and forward, his foundation will embark on networking Uganda’s tourism assets to the international community with the view of making the country a leading destination.
The businessman also revealed that the Foundation has been able to pay USD 5000 (Approx.18m) to Ziwa Rhino sanctuary to acquire naming rights for the baby rhino it named after Rae Ruparelia
Angie Genade the Executive Director Rhino Fund Uganda said the fund is grateful for the Ruparelia Foundation for partnering and naming the baby rhino.
Genade also noted that she wants the partnership to grow and Ruparelia Foundation to become the ambassadors of the rhino program.
On weekend, a rhino named Uhuru gave birth to a calf that has since been named Rae Ruparelia by Ruparelia Foundation.
Rhinos were once widespread in Uganda but became nationally extinct in due to illegal human activity.
The re-introduction of rhinos is fundamental to repairing the damage done to Uganda’s wildlife inventory and biodiversity by poaching and civil unrest.
As a flagship species, conservationists say, rhinos will substantially benefit the conservation of all other wildlife in those specific areas bringing with it both ecological and economic benefit.
Apart from on-foot rhino trekking or rhino tracking, Rhino Fund Uganda offers variety of wildlife activities including Shoebill Tracking and Canoe Rides, Night Walks, Birding Walks and Guided Nature Walks. The sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species as well as much wildlife.
