In response to the recent tragic event involving the murder of two tourists, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has affirmed the safety and security of Queen Elizabeth National Park, assuring visitors that the park will remain open and accessible.
UWA’s Executive Director, Sam Mwandha, who is currently at Queen Elizabeth National Park, addressed the public through a widely circulated video statement. He expressed his concern for the unfortunate incident involving two foreign guests and their tour driver. Mwandha shared that the UWA has collaborated with various security agencies operating in the region, including the UPDF, Uganda Police, the Resident District Commissioner for Kasese, and UWA staff. Together, they have devised a comprehensive security plan to ensure the safety of visitors.
Mwandha emphasized, “The park remains open, and our visitors are encouraged to come. We have deployed security measures in all areas, making it a safe and secure destination for all. For our Ugandan friends, we invite you to visit and demonstrate that Queen Elizabeth National Park is a safe place. Your presence will send a message to the world that it is a secure and welcoming destination.”
He further assured that the UWA will continue to enhance security deployments and engage in ongoing discussions to adjust their activities, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all visitors to Uganda.
Queen Elizabeth National Park is located in western Uganda, spanning across the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, Bushenyi, and Rukungiri. It is approximately 376 kilometers southwest of Kampala, with Entebbe International Airport about 350 kilometers away. The park is the second most visited national park in Uganda, following Murchison Falls National Park. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity, housing over 95 mammal species, including 20 carnivores, and boasting a diverse avian population with over 600 bird species.
The park’s attractions also include the scenic George and Edward lakes, as well as the Katwe explosion craters.
Security operations, led by joint security forces including the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces, were ongoing within the park and its surrounding areas as of Wednesday evening. Specialized units from the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) rangers, and intelligence services have been deployed to ensure the safety and security of the region.
