Uganda's Wild Side: Sheraton Partners to Save Gorillas Through Tourism

Sheraton Kampala Hotel has forged a significant partnership with Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH) to advance mountain gorilla conservation and enhance community livelihoods. This collaboration centers around the sale of Zongo, a gorilla-themed stuffed toy inspired by Uganda's unique wildlife. A portion of the proceeds generated from Zongo sales will directly support CTPH's extensive conservation and public health programs, with a particular focus on initiatives benefiting communities residing around the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

The agreement formally links the hospitality sector with crucial efforts to protect wildlife while simultaneously improving the wellbeing of the people who share habitats with these animals. The partnership was officially solidified through a memorandum of understanding signed at the Sheraton Kampala, bringing together key stakeholders including conservationists, tourism industry representatives, and Miss Uganda finalists to champion private-sector involvement in wildlife protection.

Jean-Philippe Bittencourt, General Manager of Sheraton Kampala, emphasized that this initiative aligns seamlessly with Marriott International's 'Serve 360' sustainability program, which is dedicated to promoting responsible business practices and environmental stewardship. Bittencourt highlighted Uganda's gorillas as a significant differentiating factor compared to neighboring countries, underscoring the vital importance of ensuring that communities living near protected areas also benefit from conservation efforts and tourism. He stressed that involving local communities is essential for them to fully appreciate the immense value of gorillas to Uganda's tourism industry and the broader environment. Furthermore, Bittencourt revealed that Marriott is actively exploring opportunities to establish two to three luxury lodges in Bwindi under its brand, which, if realized, could significantly expand Uganda's high-end tourism offerings, although specific details regarding locations, investment, and implementation timelines were not disclosed.

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder and chief executive officer of CTPH, articulated that the partnership will be instrumental in supporting ongoing efforts to protect endangered mountain gorillas while concurrently improving the health and livelihoods of the communities that share their habitat. She explained that the Zongo toy offers a unique way for individuals to emotionally connect with Uganda's mountain gorillas, encouraging continued support for their conservation. Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka further detailed CTPH's integrated approach to conservation, which holistically links human health, wildlife protection, and sustainable livelihoods. CTPH's interventions include establishing Village Health and Conservation Teams, providing support for coffee farmers whose land borders the forest, distributing fast-growing tree seedlings, and leading various forest restoration initiatives. She proudly noted that communities around Bwindi planted over 200,000 trees last year as part of efforts to alleviate pressure on forests and safeguard gorilla habitats. CTPH's community-based strategy acknowledges that enhancing local livelihoods and health can significantly reduce pressures on wildlife and protected areas.

Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka also provided an update on the encouraging progress in mountain gorilla conservation. She recounted participating in a census in 1997 that recorded approximately 300 gorillas in Bwindi. By 2018, the global mountain gorilla population was estimated at 1,063, a figure derived from combining the census results from Bwindi-Sarambwe with those from the Virunga Massif. This positive trend led to the species being reclassified from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List in November 2018. Although Uganda completed a new census in 2026, the results were still under analysis as of September, according to the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Dr. Kalema-Zikusoka encouraged more Ugandans to visit Bwindi and actively support conservation through tourism, highlighting the lower gorilla-tracking permit rates available to Ugandan citizens compared to foreign non-residents. She advised confirming current permit fees with the Uganda Wildlife Authority before publication.

This partnership exemplifies how hospitality businesses can contribute meaningfully to sustainable tourism by providing guests and the public with practical avenues to support conservation. Through the Zongo initiative, Sheraton Kampala and CTPH aspire to transform a simple souvenir into a powerful reminder that protecting Uganda's iconic mountain gorillas inherently means supporting the resilient communities that share their precious forest home.