The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has signed concession agreements with three private investors to develop tourism infrastructure in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley national parks.
The signing ceremony, held at Protea Hotel in Kampala, was presided over by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka. The agreements, valued at $28.5 million, aim to enhance Uganda’s tourism offerings while promoting conservation efforts.
Professor James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, signed on behalf of UWA, while investors Epic Kagoro, Patricia Akakunda, and Paul Zhang Zhigang, Group Chairman of Tian Tang Group, represented Kagobed Holdings Ltd, Russell Hall Ltd, and Tian Tang Group, respectively.
Bahinduka welcomed the investment, emphasizing its significance to Uganda’s tourism industry. “This is a strong signal that Uganda is open and ready for responsible investment in tourism. These projects will improve the quality of our tourism products, generate revenue for conservation, and create meaningful jobs for our people,” he said.
Professor Kalema urged the investors to prioritize environmental protection. “We are excited to work with investors who value not only business growth but also ecological integrity. I urge all concessionaires to ensure Environmental Impact Assessments are conducted by qualified professionals,” he stated.
UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to balancing development and conservation. “We are deliberate about choosing partners who align with our conservation goals. These investments were rigorously reviewed and will be closely monitored to ensure they deliver value to both wildlife protection and the national economy,” he said.
Key Investments:
- Queen Elizabeth National Park: Kagobed Holdings Ltd will redevelop Jacana Safari Lodge under the Serena Hotels brand, investing $7 million to include upscale accommodation, a conference center, a helipad, and a health club.
- Murchison Falls National Park: Tian Tang Group will invest $20 million to construct a Glass Bridge and a 50-seater restaurant at the Top of the Falls, offering a world-class attraction.
- Kidepo Valley National Park: Russell Hall Ltd will build a $1.5 million luxury lodge, managed in partnership with French hotel brand TUI Blue.
The agreements mark a step in UWA’s strategy to attract quality investment, improve tourism infrastructure, and position Uganda as a premier eco-tourism destination in Africa.
