Running in the wild

With each step she made along the track, Jane Nanyonjo, kept thinking a wild animal could easily pounce on her from the shrubs nearby and tear her to pieces. The adrenaline rush in her system ironically made this an adventure she will always remember fondly. “I was scared as we ran through the park, but it was fun and I was relieved that nothing of what I had imagined happened,” says the 32-year-old, who had yielded to persuasion by friends.
Nanyonjo and more than 1,000 others participated in the Uganda Wild Run last year at Ishasha in the southern section of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kanungu District.
“I walked through the park while seeing the animals at a distance,” Wilson Asiimwe, another participant says. Enjoying the moment out of town with his friends, Asiimwe captured many moments on his camera. “We took many pictures and shared jokes. It was exciting to have fun away from Kampala.”

It is no wonder that Abdul Muhiire, the Kinkiizi Tourism Club team leader and director of Wild Run, believes that this activity not only promotes tourism but brings together people for a fulfilled social interactive cause.
The run is aimed at promoting particular tourism destinations as well as empower and improve the livelihood of communities adjacent to the national parks as the 20 percent made from the payment at the park entrances goes to communities.

“Not only are we trying to popularise particular destinations, but also improve on the livelihood of the communities adjacent to game parks by boosting the number of visitors who can even purchase items such as arts and crafts from them,” Muhiire says.
Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi, the State minister for Tourism, who participated in last year’s Wild Run says the event is not only adventurous but also helped boost his health.

“I became very fit and alert after the whole 10Km run. It recharged my health batteries. I am looking forward to this year’s Wild Run,” he says.
Other than that, Kiwanda notes that the Wild Run is a great tourism cause as it promotes national game parks by encouraging visitations.
“It brings people together to see what Uganda has to offer in terms of nature,” he says.
Kiwanda will tomorrow launch the second run which is slated for April 15, at BuhomaUganda Wildlife Authority head offices in Kanungu District. The Wild Run will take place at Bwindi Impenetrable National Game Park located in south-western Uganda. Registration is at designated points in Buhoma, Kanungu District and Platinum Tours and Travel offices on Colville Street, Kampala.
“For those who are afraid of the wilderness but are interested in taking part in the run, there is no need to fear as security is paramount,” Muhiire says. He reveals that a combined team of security forces led by UWA rangers ensures that the participants are protected from wild animals.

What you need to carry for the wild run

•Rain jacket
•A pair of sneakers
•A tracksuit
•A camping tent for those who may not afford lodge accommodation fees.
•Shs20,000 to pay for park entrance also known as
conservation fees.

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