UWEC was opened in 1952 by the Colonial Government then, as an animal Orphanage that offered sanctuary to young animals found abandoned in protected areas due to the death or poaching of parent animals.

In the early 1960s, it became a traditional zoo until 1994 when it was converted into a wildlife education centre.

Our Mission
Uganda Wildlife Education Centre exists to educate the public on conservation of wildlife, with emphasis on the young generation, in partnership with stakeholders

Our Vision
To be the leading Centre in biodiversity Conservation Education in Africa

Our Mandated Roles

• Conservation education of the Uganda public
• Rescue and rehabilitation of animals
• Captive breeding unit for threatened species
• A zoo where people come to see and learn about animals, as well as a Recreation Park for the Ugandan public

Where do the animals come from?
All the animals have been rescued from poachers, illegal trade or accidents. The animals are brought to the centre by government agencies, animal welfare groups and concerned citizens like you. The great thing about UWEC is that it is not a traditional zoo, so we do not capture or purchase animals to show here.

What else is at UWEC?
UWEC is not just about animals. It's about people too! Take your time, and...

• Stroll through UWEC's 1000 meter forest walk, encountering wild monkeys, birds and a wonderful view of the Centre and Lake Victoria.
• Enjoy drinks or snacks at our shaded tables.
• Have a family picnic in the garden.
• Take your family for a donkey or camel ride.
• Have fun and buy gifts at the craft shop.

UWEC is now a full day's exciting destination which has different products on offer:

• Over 50 different animal species represented by over 200 animals, all housed in large, open air enclosures, simulating their natural habitat in the wild, with interpretations about each animals' biography, biological and social information.
• A medicinal plants' garden with over 500 herbs, with information about diseases they cure.
• A 1000m forest trail with free ranging antelope, beautiful debrazza monkeys, vervet monkeys, hundreds of beautiful coloured butterflies and indigenous plant species.
• A bird watchers' paradise where one can watch over 250 bird species.
• A long and lovely shoreline of Lake Victoria which has been developed into a beach.
• Entertainment every Sunday evening by a local cultural group.
• Culture - more often than not, there is a promotion going on at Uwec, based on the culture of Uganda. Visitors often get to the different Uganda culture through these promotions.
• An excellent close-up photo opportunity for wildlife in an environment very similar to the wild.
• Modern visitors facilities including a canteen, kiosk, bar, clean toilets.