President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced that travelers not visiting Murchison Falls National Park as tourists will no longer have to pay fees while passing through the park. This decision comes as many travelers need to connect to northern Uganda during the temporary closure of the Karuma Bridge.
The announcement was made by the State House in a statement on Friday, October 4, 2024. President Museveni emphasized that it was wrong to charge non-tourist travelers.
“I totally forbid the charging of money from travelers who are not tourists. It’s nonsensical, It’s not correct,” said President Museveni.
This news came during a meeting with members of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus at the State House in Entebbe. The Karuma Bridge has been closed since September 23, 2024, for important repairs that will take three months.
Motorists have been given alternative routes. Those traveling to and from Pakwach or Gulu can use the Luwero – Kafu – Masindi – Paraa route. Motorists heading to Lira are advised to take the Rwenkunye – Apac route via Masindi Port Ferry or use the longer Iganga – Nakalama – Tirinyi – Pallisa – Kumi – Soroti – Lira route.
Previously, the Uganda Wildlife Authority was charging fees for anyone passing through the park, causing inconvenience for local travelers. Now, non-tourist travelers can pass freely while the Karuma Bridge is closed.