Bwindi safe, says Uganda Wildlife Authority

By Raymond Baguma

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has assured tourists that national parks along the border in western Uganda are safe despite ongoing fighting in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

There has been growing speculation about the safety of tourists visiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park.

UWA public relations manager Lillian Nsubuga said the authority is working with security agencies and the UPDF to maintain land, air and marine surveillance of the parks and borders to ensure safety of visitors.

The wildlife body is also working with Rwanda under the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration to protect the mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif where clashes have occurred.

Nsubuga said she wanted to reassure tourists after lodges and guest houses in western Uganda reported cancellations or postponements of visits by tourists.