In a recent statement, Hon. Martin Mugarra, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, disclosed that the government has introduced a fresh booking and revenue collection system, overseen by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), to combat fraudulent activities related to gorilla permits.
Gorilla and chimpanzee permits, which allow individuals, both local and foreign, to engage in tracking activities, are issued by UWA. Mugarra emphasized that this new system will replace the previously exploited gorilla and chimpanzee permit booking process.
The Minister’s revelation came during his presentation on allegations of fraud within UWA, an issue that led to an investigation into some of the organization’s staff. This presentation took place during a plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on October 5, 2023.
On October 4, 2023, Hon. Moses Kamuntu, a Member of Parliament from Rubanda County, called for an inquiry into allegations of fraud related to gorilla and chimpanzee permits.
Mugarra explained that the Ministry is currently investigating these allegations, which were initially discovered by UWA itself. As a result, the Executive Director initiated an internal audit, focusing on the period between June and August 2023. Preliminary findings suggest the possibility of fraud involving certain staff from the reservations, finance, and information technology departments at the head office, as well as some field staff.
To delve deeper into the matter, UWA commissioned a second, more extensive investigation, involving members of the investigations unit and the Uganda Police Force. These investigations are ongoing, and the outcomes will determine the subsequent course of action. As part of the process, fourteen suspected staff members have been suspended to facilitate the investigations.
Mugarra also hinted at the involvement of some tour companies in the alleged fraud. Further investigations are underway to ascertain their role in the suspected misconduct, and any implicated staff and tour companies will face prosecution in the courts of law.
Additionally, the Trade Ministry has requested the Auditor General to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit, covering the period between July 2020 and September 2023, regarding gorilla and chimpanzee bookings in Bwindi, Mgahinga, Kibale national parks, and Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth national park.
Mugarra committed to presenting detailed findings of the investigations within one month. In response, Hon. Mary Begumisa, a member of the NRM representing Sembabule District, urged the minister to engage with tour operators for a more comprehensive investigative report. Deputy Speaker Tayebwa guided that the debate on the statement be postponed to allow the investigations to continue.
