Amanya: Differently abled conservation educator

A lean man stands in the heat of the midday sun surrounded by a group of wide-eyed schoolchildren. He wears a wide-brimmed hat and a flannel shirt with multiple pockets. His boots pale and threadbare as he gestures animatedly with his hands.

The children wear curious faces, bright rucksacks and carry water bottles, look on with curiosity. The educator points to an animal in the exhibit and begins to explain.

"Can anyone tell me what this animal is called?" he asks in a warm and inviting tone. A chorus of guesses erupts, and he listens keenly, nodding in encouragement. The children hang on every word, captivated by his story about the tiger.

One girl in the group reads the interpretation board. After pondering, she waits patiently for the educator to finish his story before raising her hand to ask a question about what she has read. He listens to her inquiry and responds calmly. Judging by her expression, she is satisfied with his answer.
With a reminder to conserve wildlife, he leads the excited group of children back down the trail in search of the next animal. Their chatter filled with experiences they have had. The conservation educator knows that today’s adventure might inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
This is a typical day in the life of Baron Amanya, an apprentice educator at Uganda Wildlife Conservation Area, commonly known as Entebbe Zoo. Amanya shares his journey in the world of conservation while managing a rare disability.

Tough start

Born with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects speech and often limits mobility, Amanya’s journey into conservation education began in his childhood. He found solace and freedom in the natural world.
“My journey has been a hectic one,” he reflects. At a very tender age, most people perceived me as a nuisance in my family home, leading to neglect in the community.”
He recalls taking three years without standing, opting for crawling as his primary means of movement.
Raised by his mother, Mollen Natukwasa and his grandmother Ms Jovia Baingana, with some support from his father, Baron attended Tukore Invalids Primary School for those with disabilities in Nyakayojo, Rwampara County in western Uganda.
He recounts his primary school experience as challenging; his peers told him he could not succeed and would never make it in life.
However, Amanya’s resolute mindset enabled him to not only complete his primary education but also to finish his secondary studies at Nakateete Secondary School in Kyanzanga.
One of his fondest memories from school is his love for debate.
“I enjoyed exchanging ideas with my classmates and discussing how we could develop and compete in the world. I aimed to find ways to help people,” he states.

Passion ignites

Amanya’s passion for conservation was ignited after his Senior Six exams when he applied for a government scholarship under the disability scheme.
He was granted placement at Busitema University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Tourism and Travel Management. Life at university posed its challenges. He had to retake an exam in his first year, but he refused to let this setback derail his goals.
Despite the struggles, Amanya left a legacy at Busitema University by starting the Disabled Students’ Association, an organisation that advocated for the rights of students with disabilities. He served as the head of this organisation.

After blood, sweat and tears, Amanya graduated from Busitema University in 2023. Reflecting on his graduation day, he says: “It was a celebration of resilience and resolve. One of my key takeaways from this journey was understanding the significance of resilience in the face of adversity. Life may present various challenges, but the ability to endure leads to growth and eventual success.”

Overcoming obstacles

Amanya was diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy, a condition which affects balance and coordination. Individuals may be unsteady while walking and struggle with quick movements or tasks that require fine motor control, such as writing. Such people may also have difficulty coordinating their hands or arms when reaching for objects.
Joining the field of conservation education was not without its challenges. Many traditional outdoor education programmes are not designed with accessibility in mind.
Trails and field stations can be difficult to navigate for someone with limited mobility. However, Amanya was determined to break these barriers.

“I remember my first time working as an apprentice at the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC). Many people looked at my stature and wondered how I was expected to lead guided tours or conduct field studies. I told them, ‘I may not be able to lead a hike up a mountain, but I can teach people to see the beauty and importance of the environment where they are.’
Amanya’s determination paid off. He quickly adapted to his role as an educator, becoming known for his innovative and somewhat unorthodox teaching style, his colourful use of language, and his efforts in creating educational materials such as signage and information boards that support conservation efforts.

Opinions and insights

One of Amanya’s peers at UWEC, Derrick Kafuko, a conservation educator, says, “He is motivated and loves what he does, but sometimes he tends to overwork himself. Amanya is someone who will not turn down an opportunity to learn new things. He is very enthusiastic about his work and educating people.”

Relatedly, Jowalie Wapande , a lecturer at Busitema University and one of Amanya’s instructors, says: “Baron [Amanya] has a strong personality and a go-getter attitude. Whatever he wants, he surely works towards it and achieves it.”
He adds, “Baron is bold and is always willing to address subjects that other students might fear to discuss. He builds long-lasting relationships, unlike many of his peers. For instance, while it is rare to receive calls from his colleagues, I hear from Baron every week. I treat him like a brother.”

In a time when the need for environmental stewardship has never been greater, Amanya stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration.
Through his resilience, creativity, and unwavering passion, he is proving that disability is not a limitation but rather a unique perspective from which to view and protect the world around us. He also demonstrates that anyone can achieve their goals—an invaluable philosophy in the challenging field of conservation.