In an unfortunate incident on October 17, 2023, two tourists and their guide lost their lives in Queen Elizabeth National Park, a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The victims, who were newlyweds on their honeymoon, fell victim to a group of suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militia members. This tragic occurrence has sent ripples through Uganda’s tourism sector.
The importance of Uganda’s tourism industry cannot be understated. In the 2022 financial year, the sector contributed significantly to the country’s economy, generating $736 million (Shs2.7 billion) and hosting a total of 814,508 tourists. The sector had already seen substantial tourist traffic in the current year before the incident.
Recently, the British Foreign Office issued a travel advisory warning its citizens against non-essential travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park, a notable destination that was favored by the deceased tourists. This decision was influenced by the tragic loss of a British national in the attack.
Concerns now loom over the potential negative impact on the tourism industry. The possibility of a surge in booking cancellations at a time when tourists typically visit the country is disconcerting. Nevertheless, key players in the tourism sector express a hopeful outlook.
Uganda Hotel Owners Association Chairperson, Ms. Susan Muhwezi, assures the public of the country’s resilient security system and encourages tourists to continue visiting Uganda, emphasizing the nation’s peaceful environment. Lilly Ajarova, Executive Director of Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), echoes this sentiment, reaffirming the sector’s importance and the commitment to maintaining visitor safety and security.
According to Mr. Gesa John Simplicious, the UTB spokesperson, Queen Elizabeth National Park has now been fortified with additional security measures to reassure tourists.
Tour operators are cautiously optimistic about the industry’s future. Ivan Paul Wassaaka, the team leader at Gorillas and Wildlife Safaris, believes that the sector can rebound, drawing parallels to its resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonetheless, the impact of Tuesday’s tragic attack is evident, with reports of numerous booking cancellations in Kigezi Sub-region, where the incident occurred. Jason Niwamanya, the executive director of Safari Vacations and Travel Service Ltd, appeals for government support to enhance security at tourist sites.
Ivan Mbabazi Batuma, the chairman of Kigezi Tourism Cluster, emphasizes the need for both increased security deployment and vigilance among tour operators, particularly during game drives. Additionally, offering counseling services to alleviate the concerns of tourists has been suggested.
Seth Byarugaba, the executive director of Silverback Gorilla Safaris Ltd, calls on the media to exercise restraint in reporting the incident to avoid scaring off tourists who have already booked visits to other national parks in Uganda.
The recent events have already affected local businesses. Nicholas Kagongo, the manager of Katwe Eco Tourism Information Centre in Kasese District, shared how cancellations have disrupted bookings from educational institutions and visitors alike, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to restore confidence in the safety of the country’s tourism sites.
