The Executive Director of the Uganda Wild Life Authority (UWA), Mr Sam Mwandha, has provided reassurance to both local and international tourists regarding the safety of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
At the moment, the park remains open, with appropriate deployments in all areas to ensure the safety and security of visitors. Mr Mwandha emphasized that they would continue these measures and engage in discussions to adapt their operations accordingly, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for those visiting Uganda.
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This assurance follows an attack on October 17 in the park, allegedly carried out by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels, which resulted in harm to two tourists and their driver.
Mr Mwandha noted the collaborative efforts of a joint security agencies team dedicated to maintaining security within the park. He confirmed that multiple meetings have been held with security agencies in the region, including the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police, Resident District Commissioner for Kasese, and UWA staff, resulting in the development of a comprehensive program to guarantee the safety of all guests.
In an earlier statement, President Museveni attributed the attack to security lapses and ensured Ugandans that the ADF rebels, the suspected perpetrators, would be defeated. He emphasized the ongoing success of efforts to eliminate the ADF threat, urging that such incidents should not be allowed to occur again.
Queen Elizabeth National Park, boasting 95 mammal species and over 600 bird species, is among Uganda’s most cherished tourist destinations, characterized by its meandering savannah grasslands, lakes, and various other attractions. Established in 1952 as Kazinga National Park, it was later renamed in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of England following her visit two years later.
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