By Nicholas Kajoba

THE Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) realised sh613m from sport hunting in Lake Mburo National Park last year, the area’s conservation manager has said.

During a tour of the park by the Makerere University tourism student’s team, Augustine Masereka said UWA had introduced new tariffs for all national parks and reserves.

The students were guided on a boat trip, nature walk and game drive. National parks are categorised as A and B.

Adult East African visitors to Category A parks will pay sh5,000, while foreigners will pay $20 (sh39,600). Children aged five to 15 will pay $10 (sh19,800), while residents will pay sh2,500.

Category A parks include Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Lake Mburo, Rwenzori, Bwindi, Mgahinga and Kidepo.

Under Category B, the entrance fee is sh3,000 for residents and $25 (sh49,500) for foreigners. Category B parks include Semliki, Mt. Elgon and Semlik Wildlife Reserves.

Special groups get a 30% discount, while foreign students with valid identity get a 25% discount. The UWA executive director, Moses Mapesa, said guest houses, bandas and tents would be privatised soon.