MPs Protest Levy on Travelers Through Murchison Falls National Park

Members of Parliament from Northern Uganda have raised concerns over the Shs25,000 fee being charged to every traveler passing through Murchison Falls National Park, in addition to other vehicle fees imposed after the closure of Karuma Bridge.

The protest was led by Gilbert Olanya (Kilak South), who highlighted that bus operators are being charged Shs210,000 per route, while smaller vehicles are paying Shs40,000 per route. These charges have significantly inflated transport fares to Northern Uganda.

“Buses are paying Shs210,000, and all passengers are charged Shs25,000 each. Taxis are paying Shs40,000, and again, all passengers must pay Shs25,000 each. I personally paid Shs40,000 for the vehicle and Shs25,000 for my movement. The community in Northern Uganda is outraged. Transport from Kitgum-Gulu-Kampala now costs Shs125,000, which used to be between Shs30,000-40,000,” Olanya explained.

He urged the Ministry of Tourism to suspend the fees until construction at Karuma is complete, noting that residents of Karuma are also suffering from the closure, as they must now take longer routes to access essential services like hospitals.

Minister of State for Tourism Martin Mugarra acknowledged the situation but rejected the proposal to open all routes through the park, stating that it would be difficult to distinguish between tourist and public service vehicles. He defended the fees as necessary for generating revenue for the park.

However, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa criticized the Ministry’s approach, warning that prioritizing revenue collection over the welfare of Northern Uganda’s residents could harm businesses and livelihoods. He urged the Ministry to engage MPs from the region to find a solution.

“You didn’t collect revenue during COVID. The money from the national park versus the businesses that will suffer doesn’t add up,” Tayebwa stated.