UWA plans overhead canopy in Bwindi to enhance tourists' experience

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The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has announced plans to construct an overhead canopy walkway across the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda, aimed at enriching the visitor experience in one of the country’s most iconic tourism destinations.

The proposed canopy, expected to rise more than 200 metres above ground and stretch at least 2.6 kilometres, will offer tourists panoramic views of the ancient rainforest, home to the world-famous mountain gorillas.

“This is one of our priority projects. While many visitors come for gorilla trekking, the forest’s dense vegetation limits visibility of other incredible attractions,” said Jacqueline Penina Babirye, who represented UWA during the Uganda Tourism Roadshow held in Perth, Australia on Monday (October 27).

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The roadshows are being organised by the Uganda High Commission in Australia, in collaboration with the Uganda Tourist Board (UTB) and UWA.

Babirye invited investors to partner with UWA in developing the canopy, describing it as a “virgin investment with high potential returns for the future".

“There are over 350 bird species, rare forest elephants, black-and-white colobus monkeys (pictured below), and more than 220 butterfly species in Bwindi. The canopy will allow tourists to experience the full diversity of the forest from above,” she said.

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The initiative is part of UWA’s broader strategy to enhance tourism experiences across Uganda’s national parks. Other innovations include modernised boat rides, new rest stops for visitors, and the establishment of information centres in six of the country’s 11 national parks and six game reserves.

Terry Cordin, the sales and marketing manager of Wildlife Safari, praised the canopy concept, calling it “one of the greatest ideas we have come across”.

“There is so much hidden beneath those canopies. This will provide incredible visibility and new opportunities for visitors,” said Cordin, who has organised numerous tours to Bwindi.

“Such innovations are great for the country.”

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Meanwhile, Francis Nyende Hatinda, UTB's marketing manager, presented Uganda’s wider tourism offerings beyond wildlife and flora. The presentation impressed more than 10 international tour operators, many of whom were surprised at how much Uganda has to offer as a tourist destination.

“You need to do something to let the world know about your unique tourism features,” advised Lance Quartermain of Quartermain Travels, noting that other countries are investing heavily in marketing to attract tourists.

UTB deputy CEO Bradford Ochieng emphasised that Uganda is taking a balanced approach, prioritising both tourism growth and environmental conservation.

“Our long-term goal is to ensure that as tourism grows, so does the protection of wildlife and natural attractions,” he said.

Dorothy Samalie Hyuha (pictured below, centre), Uganda’s High Commissioner to Australia, described the event as “the beginning of many more initiatives to promote Uganda’s tourism potential”.

Also in attendance were Dorcas Wagima Okalanyn (pictured below, left), the permanent secretary of the lands ministry and Col. Geoffrey Kambere from the Immigration Department.

Guests were later treated to a lively performance by Pearl Afrikulture Rhythms, a Melbourne-based Ugandan traditional dance group.

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 MORE PICTURES FROM THE EVENT 

South African Airways' Vicki Gordon (left) and Uganda High Commission Consular officer Susan Tiisa Mugwanya (right)

From left, Vellinia Muhereza of Streams Safaris interacts with High Commission's Patricia Kente and Uganda West Australia Community president Geoffrey Gumikiriza