In a bid to boost wildlife conservation and support local communities surrounding Uganda’s national parks, Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sheraton Kampala Hotel.
Under the agreement signed on Friday in Kampala, the hotel will support gorilla conservation efforts through the sale of its iconic gorilla mascot, named Zongo. Proceeds from the sales will go directly toward supporting CTPH's health and conservation initiatives around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and across the country.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Executive Director of CTPH, Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, emphasized the need for joint efforts to protect endangered species while uplifting the livelihoods of human populations living near wildlife habitats.
“We feel it's very important to get as much support as possible to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and support the local communities,” Dr Kalema-Zikusoka said. “So, this memorandum of understanding is to do with a gorilla called Zongo that people will be able to take home, connect emotionally with the mountain gorillas of Uganda and keep wanting to support them.”
She explained that the funding generated through the partnership will strengthen CTPH's integrated approach to community health and environmental conservation, which directly benefits local residents, including coffee farmers whose land borders the national park.
“Some of the proceeds from the sale of Zongo will come to support the work of conservation through public health, which improves the health of the people, the gorillas and other wildlife together,” Dr Kalema-Zikusoka noted. “Whenever you're going to visit gorillas, you often cross coffee farms. These farmers weren't getting a fair market or a good price for their coffee and were still entering the forest to meet their basic needs. Through this venture, we'll be able to also support the coffee farmers by giving them a good price for good coffee.”
Dr Kalema-Zikusoka added that the collaboration would further extend support to village health and conservation teams, providing fast-growing seedlings to prevent deforestation and food insecurity among park-adjacent communities. Last year alone, local communities around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park planted over 200,000 trees through CTPH-backed initiatives.
“Through the Zongo mascot, we are amplifying the efforts that are being made on the ground with Uganda Wildlife Authority and all partners, and also at the same time make people feel that they can do something for conservation just by buying this gorilla teddy bear,” she added.
The General Manager of Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Mr Jean-Philippe Bittencourt, highlighted the significant role private enterprise can play in promoting sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship across Uganda.
“The initiative seeks to connect hospitality and wildlife conservation by giving guests and members of the public an opportunity to contribute to the protection of Uganda’s gorillas,” Mr Bittencourt said. “Beyond being a recognizable mascot, Zongo represents a shared commitment to raising awareness about gorilla conservation and encouraging greater public participation in protecting Uganda’s natural heritage.”
Mr Bittencourt reaffirmed that the partnership demonstrates how businesses within the hospitality sector can drive meaningful environmental impact by bridging the gap between international guests and local conservation programs. Through the collaboration, both entities aim to leverage Zongo’s widespread appeal to inspire deeper public appreciation and active support for protecting Uganda’s mountain gorillas.