In 1998, the seeds of Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary were sown with the invaluable contribution of the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) by Dr. Goodall’s pioneering work with chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania alongside the now Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Center (UWEC) and the wildlife department of the ministry of trade.
The 25 years of existence celebrations commenced on Wednesday 24th at hotel Africana in Kampala on an event attended by the minister of tourism Tom Butiime, the chairperson board of Chimpanzee trust Dr James Musinguzi, the former tourism minister Ephraim Kamuntu among others with the theme; “Partnerships for Coexistence” which calls upon all Ugandans to recommit to the cause and work together towards a future where chimpanzees and all wildlife can thrive in a world that values and protects their existence.
While at the kickoff ceremony of the silver jubilation celebrations, Tom Butiime the minister of tourism said that through the dedicated team of caregivers, researchers, and conservationists, Ngamba chimpanzee sanctuary has positioned its self as a modal sanctuary in Africa for rehabilitation of Chimpanzees.
Dr James Musinguzi the chairperson board of Chimpanzee Trust (left), Hon Tom Butiime the Minister of Tourism(middle) and Hon Ephraim Kamuntu one of the foundation member during the Ngamba Island silver jubilee celebrations at hotel Africana.
He also noted that Ngamba Island has continued to play a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of chimpanzee conservation, both nationally and internationally through education programs, school outreaches, and community initiatives hence inspiring countless individuals to become stewards of natural heritage.
“By nurturing this sense of responsibility, Ngamba Island has contributed to building a generation of Ugandans passionate about wildlife conservation,” Butiime added.
He also remarked that the sanctuary has been a center of research, fostering collaborations with both national and international institutions through scientific studies and observations, valuable insights into the behavior, biology, and social dynamics of chimpanzees have been gained that has not only enhanced the understanding of these incredible creatures but has also informed conservation strategies on a broader scale.
“As we launch Ngamba Island’s 25th anniversary, let us reflect on the progress we have made and recognize the immense efforts invested by the Government, and all stakeholders involved, in paving the way for a future where wildlife and cultural heritage thrive in harmony with human development,” he concluded.
According to Dr Joshua Rukundo the Executive Director of Ngamba Island, over years the sanctuary have provided a home of over 50 chimpanzees, offering them love, care and the opportunity to thrive in an environment that closely resembles their natural habitat.
Dr Joshua Rukundo the Executive Director of Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary while giving a speech at the event.
He also expressed his deepest gratitude to the exceptional volunteers, board members, stakeholders and donors including the government agencies, local communities and conservation organizations for an amazing collaboration and support towards the sanctuary’s success.
“Because of you, we are immensely proud to celebrate 25 years of our dedicated efforts to protect and preserve chimpanzees,” Rukundo concluded.
Dr Musinguzi James the chairperson Board of Chimpanzee Trust remarked that the Trust works closely with an experienced team of professionals, including veterinarians, animal care experts, educators, Tourism and marketing experts, and conservationists, who work under very challenging conditions and environment to ensure the well-being and conservation of the chimpanzees.
“Therefore as we launch this momentous occasion, we must recognize the tireless efforts and dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners. Their unwavering commitment has allowed the Chimpanzee Trust to grow and thrive, enabling us to make a lasting impact in the lives of the chimpanzees we care for and the conservation efforts we undertake,” he noted.
Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu one of the foundation member and a former tourism minister revealed that the idea for a chimpanzee sanctuary was conceived following the rescue and return of the four chimps rescued from a Russian circus following a investigative journalistic report.
“These chimps were returned to Uganda and this sparked the discussions of a need for sanctuary to provide a home for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees as the Entebbe Zoo at the time did not have the capacity nor the space to provide a safe home, therefore with the support of individuals like Debby Cox, Wilheim Mueller, the then director at the Entebbe Zoo, the Goldrings, Paul and Jane, Sudhir Ruparelia and others, the idea of an Island sanctuary was conceived and brought into fruition,” he noted.
Kamuntu added on that the sanctuary received the first chimps taken by Canoe in cages in 1998, more were moved from the Entebbe Zoo to join the group and in October later that year the official opening of Ngamba island chimpanzee sanctuary was launched.
“The Sanctuary has become an inspiration of hope for chimpanzees who have suffered unimaginable hardships because it is a sanctuary where these intelligent beings can heal, thrive, and rediscover their natural behaviours in a setting that closely resembles their natural habitat and am proud to have been involved in the conception and founding of it,” he concluded.
About Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctury
Ngamba Island Chimpanzee sanctuary also known as “Chimp Island” is the leading primate conservation initiative in Uganda and a home of 52 chimps now.
It was opened as a non-profit in 1998 to cater for orphaned chimps that had been rescued from poachers, wildlife traffickers, zoos, and circuses from countries like Burundi, Congo, Russia, Tanzania and Uganda.
Most of the chimpanzees in the sanctuary were rescued from poachers who make good profits by selling them in the pet market or for meat. While in transit with their captors or when waiting to be sold, they are kept in a deplorable states and have to endure great difficulty leaving most traumatized.
Ngamba island is found on Lake Victoria which is close to Entebbe town covering about 100 acres of forest which provide a natural environment and food for the chimpanzees.
How to Reach Ngamba Island:
In order to get to Ngamba Island, one needs to travel on water (Lake Victoria) taking a boat from waterfront beach where most the boats park and depart in Entebbe close to the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre originally known as Entebbe zoo for 23 kilometers.
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