Martin Mugara Bahinduka, the State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, has called for public understanding and patience regarding the use of the alternative route through Murchison Falls National Park.
He acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the directive but emphasized the need to protect the park’s delicate ecosystem.
The alternative route was established following the closure of the Karuma Bridge for repairs, a project expected to last three months. The Ministry of Works designated the route through the park to allow motorists from the northern part of the country to continue traveling to Kampala.
However, this decision has sparked criticism from northern region legislators, led by Kilak South MP Gilbert Olanya, who accused the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and park officials of charging extra fees to motorists using the route.
Olanya demanded that vehicles from northern Uganda be allowed to pass through the park without fees, citing the emergency nature of the situation and the fact that the roads were built using taxpayers’ money.
“We demand that all vehicles coming from northern Uganda going to Kampala via Murchison Falls be allowed to move free of charge without being charged extra fees,” Olanya stated.
In response, Minister Bahinduka explained that UWA’s decision to regulate traffic and restrict certain gates, such as Kichumbanyobo, to tourism and fee-paying vehicles is crucial for the long-term preservation of the park. He pointed out that while free transit routes through Tangi and Bugungu gates have been made available, strict controls are necessary to safeguard the park from potential harm.
“Conservation is not just about protecting wildlife today but ensuring future generations can enjoy and benefit from Uganda’s natural treasures. Unregulated traffic threatens to undo decades of conservation work,” Bahinduka said.
In light of stakeholder feedback, UWA revised its transit guidelines on September 25, allowing buses to use the Kichumbanyobo–Tangi route for three months as a temporary exception. This change comes after public outcry over the challenges faced by motorists during the bridge repairs.
The alternative route was designated after General Katumba Wamala, the Minister of Works and Transport, announced the closure of the Karuma Bridge on September 23. The closure was necessary to allow the contractor to demolish the deteriorating concrete deck and begin major restoration work on the bridge.
