AUTO Contributes 9 Tons Food to Wildlife Rangers

The Association of Uganda Tour Operators have donated a truckload of food to Uganda Wildlife Authority to feed Wildlife Rangers affected by the suspension of tourism business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The donation is in line with the call by President Yoweri Museveni to individuals, organizations, agencies and corporate companies to support response efforts to the fight against COVID-19.

Everest Kayondo, the Board Chairman of the association handed over the package to John Makombo on behalf of the Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.

“The Travel and Tourism industry has been one of the most affected and we are not receiving new tourists at this time. We understand that there are people who rely on tourist flow to survive and feed their families, and this is why we have decided to support one of our key stakeholders affected by the worst effects of this pandemic,’ Kayondo said.

On his part, Makombo said UWA was grateful for this gesture and that it would provide the much needed help to rangers for a while.

“None of these food bags is going to remain at the head office. We are loading it immediately and sending it to the protected areas where it will be of much needed help to our staff,” UWA’s Director of Conservation, John Makombo added.

The food items which include 7 tones of maize flour and 2 tons of dry beans will be distributed by UWA to its field staff under the guidance of the National and District Task Force on COVID-19.