Bashir Hangi, the public relations manager of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), has voiced concerns over the financial strain caused by the heavy deployment of rangers to Murchison Falls National Park. This increased deployment is a response to the surge in traffic through the park, which has become the main route for travelers to the North and West Nile regions following the closure of the Karuma Bridge for reconstruction.
Hangi explained that the operational budget has been significantly impacted, as the institution now faces increased costs. “If we used to conduct two patrols a day, we now have to do four. This has serious implications for our finances,” he stated.
The Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) closed the Karuma Bridge to heavy vehicles earlier this month to allow for structural repairs, making the Murchison Falls National Park the only feasible route for buses and lorries. In response, UWA issued guidelines for safe travel through the park and deployed rangers along the Kichumbanyobo Tangi road to ensure the safety of travelers and the preservation of wildlife.
Herbert Byaruhanga, president of the Uganda Tourists Association, highlighted that the increased traffic and concerns over safety have affected potential visitors’ perceptions. “If tourists see pictures of traffic jams from the gate of Murchison, they might decide not to visit Uganda. This could reduce tourist receipts by 50%,” he warned.
Tourism is a significant contributor to Uganda’s economy, accounting for about 4% of the country’s GDP. Murchison Falls National Park alone contributes 36.4% of visitor arrivals to national parks and wildlife reserves. Byaruhanga mentioned that while early bookings for visits to the park have been delayed, there have been no cancellations yet. He urged the government to develop alternative routes and infrastructure to manage such disruptions and ensure the smooth operation of the tourism sector.
The government aims to complete the repairs on the Karuma Bridge within three months, which should alleviate the current traffic issues affecting Murchison Falls National Park.
