Uganda Wildlife Authority at the start of the week handed out Shs. 970 million to be shared among the three districts that border the national parks of Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga in Kigezi sub region.
This is the mandatory 20% of the revenue collected from tourism which is to be given out to benefit these communities for the year 2015/2016.
The three districts are Kanungu which got 509 million shillings, Kisoro (239 million shillings) and Rubanda got 221 million shillings.
Professor Ephraim Kamuntu, The Minister of Tourism while handing over the money to the beneficiaries at the closure of the Tourism Week Conference at Arcadia Cottages Bunyonyi Hotel, expressed optimism that the national parks will continue to benefit the communities.
The minister however, urged the locals to reciprocate the favour by continuing to conserve and protect the animals in the park so that government continues to generate more revenues.
Godfrey Kiwanda Ssubi the State Minister for Tourism wildlife and Antiquities urged the district leaders to use the money effectively and ensure that it reaches the intended residents.
He suggested for instance, investing in in supporting small start-up projects, also to train women and youths in the districts involved in the crafts industry.