The Lonely Dance: Crested Crane, Uganda’s National Pride, Seeks Solace at Mbarara Referral Hospital

Growing up in the picturesque hills of Kamushoko, Bubare, Kashari, in Uganda’s former Ankole district, I cherish memories of a serene environment teeming with life. This region, which birthed all 13 districts in the Ankole area, was once a haven of breathtaking natural beauty. However, conservationists can no longer sit idly by as vandalism and human greed erode this beauty. 

Our homestead, now surrounded by banana plantations, was once nestled amidst bushes where this majestic creature listed among endangered species  made its home. As children, we’d watch in awe as these creatures descended upon our mother’s groundnut gardens, their regal movements and striking crests leaving us enthralled. We’d hesitate to scare them away, mesmerized by their beauty.

I always make some time to visit home. The last time I was there, I slopped down the valley to check on Mzee Kagure’s farm. I didn’t spot a single crane, nor did I hear its distinctive call in the distance, trying out its arithmetic skills in reverse (two one). This confirmed the alarming decline of its family from 100,000 in 1962 to about 15,000 today, victims of human destruction.

I’m referring to the grey crowned crested crane, Uganda’s and Africa’s national pride, will never demand a grand castle. He understands human greed and prefers to live in harmony, free from interruption, where he can thrive for up to 30 years. Yet, we’ve deliberately displaced this national treasure, symbolizing peace on our flag.

Because he’s a peace maker, he didn’t fight back. He left his yard to come to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, currently referred to as Mulago of western Uganda due to its unique services offered beyond its level.  It’s where you find this crested crane  sharing his story with patients and caregivers, assuring them that if his homestead hadn’t been tampered with, some wouldn’t have ended up there.

His destroyed habitat explains rising emerging and re-emerging health issues that land people in hospital. For instance, if we hadn’t destroyed his territory, we wouldn’t witness vagaries of nature characterized by floods, dry spells, and disasters, all linked to human suffering.

The crane smiles with patients, caregivers, and clients passing through the hospital. But there’s a lesser-known truth. This majestic bird, once renowned for his vibrant Kinyankole dance, now lacks the courage to perform. Isolated and alone, he no longer feels the joy that once compelled him to dance. You can’t dance in agony. We must act!

I call upon conservation agencies, local communities, and individuals to join forces and protect the grey crowned crested crane’s habitat. We urge support for sustainable land use, reduced pollution, and habitat restoration. Planting native vegetation, educating communities, and supporting protected areas can ensure his survival. We must recognize the intricate connection between human well-being and environmental conservation.

The crane’s message is clear: we can make this world better. Having lost his habitat, he resorts to industrial-made foods, worrying about obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers. Unless we understand his presence here, the world is doomed to extinction. He walks alone, from ward to ward, sharing his story.

Let us join hands to protect Uganda’s national pride. Let us restore his habitat and revive his Kinyankole dance. The future of our planet depends on our actions today.

Halson Kagure is the Public Relations Officer at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. He is passionate about health, environment and governance matters. 

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