Ensuring safety is a top priority for both tourists and citizens in Uganda. The government, in collaboration with agencies like the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Police, have demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring the security and safety of all visitors during wildlife adventures in national parks and other tourist attractions.
As the tourism high season, spanning from June to December, begins, the country is poised to receive a large influx of international visitors seeking adventure. During this period, tour operators are particularly busy and profitable. The government is keen on reassuring visitors that their security is the utmost priority.
Uganda, referred to as “The Green Gold of Africa” by Richard Bangs, a travel journalist from the United States, is endowed with captivating tourist attractions, notably its vibrant flora and fauna. These attractions, including the country’s abundant wildlife, are predominantly located in its vast national parks and wildlife reserves. Uganda boasts ten national parks, twelve wildlife reserves, five community wildlife management areas, and thirteen wildlife sanctuaries.
The country features the glaciated Rwenzori Mountains at one end and the sprawling savannas of Kidepo on the other, offering a wide range of adventures such as rafting the upper Nile and birdwatching with over 1,000 bird species. Uganda also showcases all the great wildlife of Africa alongside a rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Winston Churchill, impressed by its diverse environments and wildlife, dubbed Uganda the Pearl of Africa in his 1908 book, “My African Journey.”
With these impressive natural wonders, Uganda has seen a significant influx of tourists seeking relaxation and fun in its stunning landscapes. In 2024, the country was ranked fourth on the list of the most visited destinations in the world by Bradt Guides, an international tourism agency.
Despite Uganda’s richness in tourist attractions, the security and safety of visitors are paramount. In collaboration with UWA, UPDF, and the Police, proactive measures such as the deployment of high-tech drone rangers, increased security patrols, and permanent military presence have been implemented to ensure everyone’s safety in the national parks.
These measures provide reassurance that tourists can confidently explore these magnificent national parks. Kibaale National Park’s strict and rigorous safety protocols further enhance the overall visitor experience, making Uganda’s national parks both safe and captivating for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.
A team of highly trained drone rangers deployed by UWA for continuous park surveillance not only enhances security but also deters other irregularities, such as bushfires and problematic animals, providing assurances of rapid response in case of any threats.
In Queen Elizabeth National Park, proactive intelligence gathering and regular patrols, conducted jointly by park rangers and the military along major roads in Ishasha and Kasenyi Katwe, ensure the safety of tourists. The permanent military presence in the park further strengthens the security framework.
“We are leveraging cutting-edge technology to safeguard the park and its visitors. When we run the drones across these boundaries, we can identify problems and deploy accordingly to mitigate the given challenges, be it terrorism, poaching, or even fire outbreaks,” said Bashir Hangi, the UWA spokesperson.
Tourists can enjoy captivating experiential game drives, with the Kasenyi Katwe road fully open, allowing visitors to explore the park’s vast array of natural wonders. Community engagement is also key, with strong relationships between local communities, law enforcement, and tourism stakeholders promoting the reporting of suspicious activities and sharing of vital information.
International cooperation through partnerships and intelligence exchange aims to counter radicalization and terrorism, creating a safe environment for all.
Despite the incident in October 2023, when a couple was gunned down by unknown assailants in Queen Elizabeth National Park, visitor numbers have remained stable, indicating confidence in the heightened security measures. In October 2023 alone, over 900 visitors, including many international tourists, visited the park without any security issues reported, demonstrating strong belief in the park’s commitment to visitor safety.
Earlier this year, Csilla Zavier, a Swiss national visiting the park, expressed confidence in the security measures, stating, “We see the Ugandan army all over the park, which makes us feel safe. We are really enjoying our time here, especially the breathtaking wildlife.”
Kibaale National Park, renowned as the primate capital of Uganda, continues to attract nature enthusiasts with its diverse array of primates, rich biodiversity, and scenic landscapes. It is recognized as the best destination for chimpanzee tracking in Uganda, offering a golden opportunity to witness over 1,500 registered chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
The Park has instituted similar measures, including armed ranger escorts for visitors and regular joint patrols by the army and rangers to promptly address security concerns. Detailed safety briefings ensure that all visitors are well-informed and prepared for a secure wildlife adventure. UWA has established stringent safety measures for chimpanzee trekking, including maintaining a safe distance from the primates, avoiding unnecessary noise, and discouraging flash photography. Only visitors above the age of 15 are allowed to participate, and no sick person is permitted to join the adventure to prevent the transmission of diseases from humans to primates.
Highly experienced tour guides and heavily armed park rangers accompany trekkers, providing both guidance and protection, while regular security checks at the entrance ensure no dangerous or harmful items are brought into the park.
Murchison Falls National Park, another premier destination, continues to attract nature enthusiasts with its dramatic waterfall, rich biodiversity, and scenic landscapes, along with opportunities to see the Big Five in their natural habitat. The park has instituted similar security measures, including armed ranger escorts for visitors and regular patrols to promptly address any security concerns.
Embrace the opportunity to witness Uganda’s breathtaking wildlife and natural beauty, knowing that your security is a top priority.
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