Prime Minister calls for private partnership to re-develop Entebbe botanical gardens.

The Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja is calling for private partnership in the re-development of Entebbe botanical gardens.

The Gardens, initially established exclusively for the examination and development of agricultural resources before their transfer to large farms and open ecosystems have for long been managed by ministry of Agriculture under National Agricultural Research Organization but has now officially changed hands to that of Tourism to be overseen by Uganda Wildlife Education Centre, zoo.

“Enough is enough, you have failed to manage this well, there are no facilities in place so management must change”, Nabanja said.

Speaking at the handover in NARO offices, Entebbe the prime minister mentioned that there is need to revamp the facility to be able to attract tourists as well as generate and increase revenue hence contributing to the national GDP.

“Identify both local and foreign investors for partnerships to be able to fully re-devolop the gardens”, she added.

The Tourism minister Butime expressed optimism saying UWEC manage the facility adding that they expect to see improved security, plant collection and top tourism level site that will attract large numbers of nature lovers.

Govt will provide UWEC with both technical and financial support, the minister added.

James Musinguzi, the Executive Director UWEC says their goal will be to enhance Entebbe Botanical Gardens to make everyone free and comfortable to visit.

“We are going to work in collaboration with NARO and the ministry of Agriculture to further develop further the place, the factions that have been going on such as plant management and research will continue, ours will be to enhance the place with amenities such Roads, trails ,toilets , children play area and security  among others” he added.