Uganda which is the size of the British Isle has a very large number bird species some of which are endemic to the Country like the fox weaver bird. Uganda has over 1,047 bird species in all and offers great birding safari opportunities for the avid birder. Lack of proper marketing of the sector coupled with a few quality Uganda birding guides has limited the development of bird watching in Uganda. In comparison the United States sees over 80 million bird watchers annually compared to Uganda which more bird species.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority has however recognized the importance of birding and has now started putting emphasis on training birding guides as well as many young people and Uganda tour Company operators.
According to Mr. Masaba Steven the Acting Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority who is in charge of Tourism Uganda – The Pearl of Africa has the largest population of birds in the whole of the continent.
Of all the bird species found in Africa 50% can be found in Uganda and 10% of the bird species in the whole World.
About 50 birding guides were passed out at the Kibale forest national park which has the Makerere University Biological field station in Fort Portal.
Uganda’a bird watching potential if properly marketed can help generate lots of income which would rival chimpanzee tracking and gorilla tracking which are the leading tour attractions in Uganda. It would also help create employment and boost the Country’s economy.
There are efforts underway to help create bird trails as well as map out bird watching sites in many of the protected areas to help boost the sector.
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