UWA Signs UGX 104b Concession Agreements to Boost Tourism in Protected Areas

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has signed three major concession agreements with private investors to develop and manage high-end tourism infrastructure in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kidepo Valley national parks. 

The agreements were signed with Tiang Tang Groups for Murchison Falls National Park, Kagobed Holdings Ltd for Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Russell Hall Ltd for Kidepo Valley National Park.

For Kidepo National Valley Park, Russell Hall Ltd signed a concession with UWA to construct a USD 1.5 million, approximately 5.5 billion Shillings Luxury lodge. The statement issued by the UWA Communications Manager, Hangi Bashir, indicates that the lodge will be managed in partnership with the French Hotel brand TUI Blue to ensure international standards of service and comfort.

The Kidepo Valley National Park investment is part of the three major concession agreements signed by UWA with private investors to develop and manage high-end tourism infrastructure in Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth. 

The signing ceremony at Protea Hotel, Kampala, was presided over by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka.

For Queen Elizabeth National Park, the agreement was signed with Kagobed Holdings Ltd to redevelop and operate Jacana Safari Lodge under the Serena Hotels brand. The investor committed to an investment of USD 7 million to deliver an upscale facility complete with accommodation, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) infrastructure, a helipad, a health club, and other modern amenities.

At the Murchison Falls National Park, UWA signed an agreement with Tian Tang Group to develop a Glass Bridge and a 50-seater Restaurant at the Top of the Falls. Tian Tang Group committed an investment of USD 20 million to provide an iconic experience for visitors and promote Uganda as a destination for unique, world-class attractions.

The Chairman UWA Board of Trustees, Professor James Kalema, signed the agreements on behalf of UWA, while Epic Kagoro, Patricia Akakunda, and Paul Zhang Zhigang, Group Chairman of Tian Tang Group, represented the investors, Kagobed Holdings Ltd, Russell Hall Ltd, and Tian Tang Group, respectively.

The three investors committed to fulfilling all concession requirements and pledged to have the facilities operational within the agreed timelines of two to five years. The developments represent a total direct investment of over USD 28.5 million (105.4 billion) into Uganda’s tourism sector.

Bahinduka emphasized Uganda’s readiness for investments in the tourism industry and expressed optimism that the investments will make a positive contribution to the country.

Professor James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, welcomed the new investors and emphasized the need for environmental diligence. "We are excited to work with investors who value not only business growth but also ecological integrity. I urge all concessionaires to ensure that Environmental Impact Assessments are conducted by qualified professionals and that all developments take into account the sensitivity of the ecosystems in which they operate", said Prof. Kalema.

UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to balancing conservation and development. "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.