Buganda Queen Nnabagereka tracks Bwindi gorillas to mark conservation milestone
The Nnabagereka, the queen of Buganda, along with her distinguished entourage, embarked on an extraordinary adventure through the dense jungles of Uganda. Their mission was to track the elusive and majestic gorillas, an endeavor that promised to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Equipped with a deep reverence for nature and a profound understanding of the importance of conservation, Nnabagereka and her entourage ventured into the heart of the lush rainforest. They immersed themselves in the captivating beauty of the gorillas’ natural habitat under the guidance of knowledgeable local trackers.
The team navigated treacherous terrain, traversing dense foliage and enduring unpredictable weather. Their perseverance and unwavering determination were tested, but their spirit remained undeterred.
Eighteen years after her first experience with the gorillas, Sylvia Nagginda, the Nnabagereka of Buganda, went back to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park on Sunday, December 3, 2023, where she tracked gorillas in the Buhoma sector.
The Nnaabagereka of Buganda Sylvia Nagginda viewing the gorilla in Bwindi national park on Sunday. Credit: Photos by Julius LuwembaThe Buganda queen’s visit to Bwindi and subsequent tracking of gorillas were part of the 20-year celebrations of a non-government organisation, Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), of which she is the patron.
Starting the day with high spirits, Nnabagereka and her entourage were first briefed by the staff of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on the dos and don’ts before embarking on a trail inside the rugged, impenetrable forest for an excursion that took three hours.
With a population of over 400 gorillas, which are subdivided into 26 families, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world.
Finally, after countless hours of patient exploration, they caught a glimpse of the magnificent creatures they sought. Towering in stature and exuding an aura of untamed power, the gorillas captivated their hearts in an instant. It was an awe-inspiring sight that left them humbled and profoundly grateful for the opportunity to witness such extraordinary beings in their natural habitat.
As Nnabagereka and her entourage observed the gorillas from a respectful distance, they marveled at the intricate social dynamics and gentle yet mighty nature of these creatures. Every interaction and gesture conveyed a profound sense of interconnectedness, reminding them of the delicate balance that exists between humans and the natural world.
Upon completing their unforgettable gorilla tracking adventure, Nnabagereka and her entourage were presented with prestigious certificates commemorating their successful expedition. These certificates symbolized not only their personal achievement but also their commitment to wildlife conservation and the preservation of the gorillas’ natural habitat.
With hearts filled with gratitude and a newfound sense of responsibility, the Nnabagereka and her entourage returned to their kingdom, determined to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of these magnificent creatures. Their encounter with the gorillas had forever transformed their perspective, inspiring them to become staunch defenders of the natural wonders that grace our planet.
Their journey had not only been a personal triumph but also a catalyst for change, igniting a passion for conservation that would leave an indelible mark on their reign and beyond.
She appreciated the developments in terms of services and infrastructure around the national park, better than the status eighteen years ago when she first visited.
