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Shift Media News 
BY PATRICK JARAMOGI
KAMPALA, UGANDA| SHIFT MEDIA NEWS| The latest Gorilla census results indicate that Uganda is now home to 459 Mountain Gorillas as per the last 2018 census results for the Bwindi Population.
The results indicate that Uganda is now home to 51% of the world’s mountain gorillas, representing the global population of 1,063.
The much-anticipated event was held at the Kampala Serena Hotel, attended by representatives from stakeholders in the tourism sector, conservation, and the media.
The out-going Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu confirmed that as per the December 2018 census in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda had a record 459 mountain gorillas counted in 50 groups; with 13 solitary individuals. These numbers are shared by Rwanda and DR Congo.
When combined with her sister, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda still reaffirms its position as home to over 50% of the world’s total population of mountain gorillas, a further boost to gorilla tourism in this East African nation.
“It’s not just the gorillas we have. We also have about 11% of the world’s bird species, all of Africa’s big five, a huge population of chimpanzees, excellent weather, the source of the world’s longest river, a happy and fascinating people and more. Uganda continues to reaffirm itself as a leading holiday destination,” Minister Kamuntu said at the event.
Following the 2016 census in the Virunga massif, which confirmed a total of 604 gorillas in Virunga, Volcanoes and Mgahinga national park combined; this new number confirmed by Uganda presents an even greater success story for mountain gorilla conservation. The total global population of the mountain around the world now stands at 1,068.
The UWA Board chairperson Ben Otto observed that the methods of collecting data had improved over the years.
“Gorilla census has always taken place. It is important to know the exact numbers of gorillas for better planning.
The number of gorillas has increased over the years. At UWA we take gorillas as very precious species. Much of the revenues collected as per our books indicate that Gorilla still tops, and this is the kind of importance that Gorilla attaches to tourism,” he said.
Dr. Andrew Sseguya Executive Secretary Greater Virunga described the exercise of gorilla census as tedious and hailed the team that did the wonderful work
As of December 2018, Uganda had 459 Mountain Gorillas in 50 groups, while 13 lived in solitary individuals 1063 Uganda has 51% of the global population of Gorillas shared between Rwanda and DR Congo.
Most gorillas were found in Mgahinga followed by Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. He noted that Uganda is home to 11% of the world’s recorded bird spices in the world.
The Outgoing Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities.. Prof, Ephraim Kamuntu appreciated the contribution of the development partners and donors. On a similar note, he also hailed the tourism private developers.
“Ours is a matter of survival when it comes to conservation. But now even as Minister for Constitutional Affairs, this is the highest law of the land. The state is mandated to conserve nature and flora,” he said. He said making any of these species extinct is a sin. 1249 spices of butterflies, 600 spices of fish.
Minister of State for Tourism Godfrey Kiwanda Suubi– we are blessed with two good problems, the increased population of animals and humans. The increase of human populations also has effects on wildlife especially when it comes to settling in animal habitats. If you create a district headquarters in the middle of an animal corridor (Karenga District headquarters) you create serious problems for animals.
“This will affect Kidepo Valley, National Park,” he said. Kiwanda urged the conservationist to help with well-researched facts to help in the war.
“We need well-researched information to enable us to face cabinet and parliament,” said Kiwanda.
He thanked Kamuntu for the good leadership he offered while he served as minister for Tourism. Kamuntu now moves to the docket of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
