Celebrations to mark World Wildlife Day kick off with marathon
Two 'chimpanzees' from Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary, located on Ngamba Island of Lake Victoria participate in the World Wildlife Marathon on Sunday morning. The marathon is part of efforts to amplify conservation messages especially among youth. Photo by EDGAR R. BATTE
Different stakeholders made an early morning call to make it in time for the second edition of the World Wildlife Marathon that was flagged at Uganda Museum grounds in Kampala.
Adults and children alike were in high spirit and as they warmed up for the event in a couple of physical excises, ministers Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi, Minister of state for tourism and Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, were present to boost morale and also launch the marathon.
The event precedes the World Wildlife Day celebrations, an internationally recognized day proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2013. This year, the national functions will be held here at the museum on Friday under the auspices of Uganda Wildlife Authority, a semi-autonomous government agency that conserves and manages Uganda’s wildlife for the people of Uganda.
Speaking at the launch, UWA’s Executive Director, Dr. Andrew Seguya said that the wildlife marathon is one way of appreciating the conservation trends and acts as a platform to highlight the contributions made by the wildlife fraternity to our economy and ecosystems.
“It is important to note that Uganda’s wildlife population numbers including elephants have progressively improved over the years while many of the same species globally have continued to dwindle. This important milestone has only been possible because of the improved conservation practices of Ugandans,” Dr. Seguya explains.
This year’s run is premised on the theme “Listen to the young voices,” the global theme to celebrate World Wildlife Day. In Uganda, youth have been mainstreamed in wildlife conservation by engaging them in wildlife awareness campaigns and encouraging them to feel ownership of Uganda’s magnificent wildlife.
“I call upon stakeholders in the tourism industry to always think of and subsidise packages for the youth and students so that they can actively participate in wildlife conservation and excursions,” Nakiwala, the day’s chief runner, said.
Participants engaged in the two races; five and 10 kilometres. The race was won by Ronald Musagali, a Ugandan middle-distance and long-distance runner under Team UWA. He was followed by Stephen Chebet and Alfred Kiptoyet in second and third positions respectively, and also under Team UWA.
One of the catchy participants were cross-dressed participants in Chimpanzee outfits that attracted participants to take photos with them.
“Your participation and contributions to this year’s marathon has made it a big success. Proceeds from these collections shall be used to support families of fallen rangers that lost their lives in line of duty protecting Uganda’s wildlife,” Dr. Seguya disclosed.
