People living next to Kibale National Park have started reaping the benefits of peacefully co-existing with the wild animals. “A total of sh112m has been released to the parishes neighbouring the park in Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese and Kyenjojo districts,” the chief warden, Charles Tumwesigye, said.

He made the revelation recently as he handed over a cheque for sh14.9m to Kasese district, its share of last year’s revenue.

The works secretary, Silvano Mulhondi, received the money on behalf of the district.

Tumwesigye said Kabarole would get sh36.5m, Kamwenge (sh32.6m) and Kyenjojo (sh28.6m).

He said over 6,500 tourists visited the park last year.

Tumwesigye noted that future revenue would be directed to projects that directly impact on the local communities.

Mulhondi hailed the wildlife authorities for the project, which he said had helped change the attitudes of communities living near parks towards wildlife.

“We shall continue to educate our people to continue living in harmony with the animals in the parks,” Mulhondi said.