Gov’t eases Northern Uganda travel, but park fees for tourists remain
The president's decision follows an appeal made by Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua during an NRM Caucus meeting held at parliament yesterday.
In response to public concern, President Yoweri Museveni has directed that travelers passing through Murchison Falls National Park en route to northern and West Nile regions should be exempt from paying park entry fees.
The move comes after the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) temporarily closed the Karuma Bridge for much-needed repairs, forcing travelers to detour through the park.
The president’s decision follows an appeal made by Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua during an NRM Caucus meeting held at parliament yesterday.
Obua, who had been approached by members of parliament from Lango, Acholi, and West Nile sub-regions, requested that travelers be relieved of the financial burden of park fees while the bridge remains closed.
Previously, each saloon vehicle and omnibus passing through the park was charged 20,000 and 30,000 Ugandan shillings respectively. The sudden closure of Karuma Bridge had made the park route the primary option for many, raising public concern over the fees.
While the directive is a relief for regular travelers, President Museveni made it clear that tourists visiting the park for leisure purposes will still be required to pay the usual entry fees to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). This ensures that revenue generation for wildlife conservation continues, while local commuters aren’t unfairly impacted by circumstances beyond their control.
Next steps in resolving the issue
In the same NRM Caucus meeting, it was revealed that Vice President Jessica Alupo will convene a follow-up meeting next week with stakeholders from the Ministry of Tourism, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and members of parliament from the northern sub-regions.
This gathering is expected to further address concerns over UWA’s fee structure, particularly as they relate to local travelers.
Denis Obua, in a press conference following the meeting, noted that his appeal to the president was driven by the increasing discontent among MPs from the affected areas. “The closure of the Karuma Bridge left travelers with limited options, and the costs of passing through the park became a burden on our people,” Obua said.
Broader development priorities
Beyond the issue of park fees, the NRM Caucus meeting also touched on key national development concerns. President Museveni assured members that road infrastructure and electrification projects remain high on the government’s agenda, with efforts being made to extend electricity to all sub-counties except the newly created ones.
The president also emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture, referencing the Limoto model practiced in Pallisa District as a successful approach to environmental conservation and agricultural productivity.
He encouraged farmers nationwide to adopt similar practices for long-term sustainability.
Fighting corruption
In a separate matter, President Museveni reiterated his administration’s stance on fighting corruption. He pointed out that numerous corrupt officials have been arrested and prosecuted in the courts of law, signaling his government’s continued commitment to combating graft in public service.
This multifaceted approach to addressing both immediate travel challenges and broader economic and governance issues reflects the government’s efforts to balance development with sustainability and integrity. For now, however, the president’s directive waiving park fees for travelers offers immediate relief to those navigating northern Uganda.
