On March 3rd, 2023, the world celebrated World Wildlife Day at the magnificent King James Stadium in Tororo. This year’s event was particularly special, as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of Tororo Rock being declared a national monument.
Tororo Rock is a massive rock formation located in Eastern Uganda, towering at 1,300 meters above sea level. It’s a natural wonder that has been an essential part of Uganda’s cultural and historical heritage for centuries.
The rock is a unique feature, jutting out of the plains, covered with lush green vegetation, and home to a vast array of plant and animal species. The stadium was abuzz with excitement, as the world came together to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of preserving wildlife and their habitats.
The theme of this year’s event was “Partnerships for Conservation .” The theme highlighted the significant role we play as partners in sustaining our planet’s ecological balance and the livelihoods of communities living around them.
The event was graced by a host of dignitaries, including The Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Hon. Tom Butime who represented the the President of Uganda, who was the chief guest. In his speech, he emphasized the government’s commitment to conserving Uganda’s wildlife and natural resources for future generations.
The Honourable Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism, which would benefit local communities and the country’s economy.
Wildlife Enthusiasts Tour Tororo Rock
The highlight of the day was a tour of Tororo Rock though this happened a day earlier on 2nd March 2023. The rock’s natural beauty and unique features were breathtaking, with the lush green vegetation, crystal-clear streams, and the sounds of the birds and animals adding to the serene atmosphere. The visitors were amazed by the diversity of plant and animal species they encountered, with some species found only in Tororo Rock.
The tour guide provided insightful information about the rock’s history and significance, dating back to ancient times when it was a sacred site for the local Bagisu people. The rock was believed to be the home of the spirits, and the Bagisu would make pilgrimages to the rock to seek blessings and offer sacrifices. In recent years, Tororo Rock has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The government has made significant investments in infrastructure development, including constructing hiking trails, picnic sites, and information centers, to promote sustainable tourism and enhance the visitors’ experience. The day’s celebrations were not just about the tour of Tororo Rock but also included a series of engaging and educational activities.
There were exhibitions showcasing Uganda’s wildlife and natural resources, interactive sessions with conservation experts, and cultural performances by local communities. The event also provided a platform for organizations and individuals working towards conservation efforts to showcase their work and share their experiences.
The discussions were enlightening, with participants sharing the challenges and opportunities facing conservation efforts in Uganda and around the world. The event culminated in a Music, Dance and Drama gala as institutions such as Rubongi Army Secondary School,Nkumba University, Tororo Girls School among others performed in order to spread the message of conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife and their habitats.