Members of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus have strongly criticized the government’s decision to impose fees and time restrictions on the use of roads passing through Murchison Falls National Park, arguing that it unjustly targets citizens.
The lawmakers asserted that as taxpayers, they should not be treated like poachers for simply using the roads within the park.
Among the MPs raising concerns were Isaac Otimgiw (Padyere County), Lillian Paparu (Arua District Woman Representative), George Bokha (Obongi County), Musa Noah (Koboko North), Isaac Etuka (Upper Madi County), Jennifer Driwaru (Maracha District Woman Representative), Jackson Atiima (Arua Central), and Geoffrey Feta (Ayivu Division). The group voiced their frustrations during a press briefing at Parliament, highlighting the hardships faced by residents following the closure of Karuma Bridge.
“We are not poachers. We are citizens of this country, and this national park is no different from others. We should not be charged for using roads through it,” Lillian Paparu stated.
Paparu also questioned why only travelers to Northern Uganda are subjected to these fees when other national parks do not impose similar charges. She referenced the Masindi-Para Road, which was constructed after the government compensated the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and called for consistency in policy across all parks.
“When the Masindi-Para Road was built, the government compensated UWA. Why are we now being charged here while others across the country use national park roads without paying? We demand free passage,” Paparu added.
Geoffrey Feta, Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus, highlighted the economic consequences following the September 23, 2024, closure of Karuma Bridge by the Ministry of Works and Transport, which resulted in a 35% increase in transport costs to West Nile.
“The alternative route through Kafu has driven up the cost of transporting goods and people, causing a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities like sugar, cooking oil, and rice. This will have a detrimental effect on the economy of Northern Uganda and, particularly, West Nile,” Feta explained.
The MPs further criticized UWA’s decision to limit travel through the Tangi-Kikomanyombo Gate to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., a restriction they say forces travelers to incur additional accommodation costs and encourages speeding, increasing the risk of accidents.
“UWA needs to reconsider these time restrictions and extend the travel window from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., allowing passengers and vehicles more flexibility and reducing unnecessary costs,” Feta urged.
Concerns were also raised about the safety of travelers along the Kafu-Masindi Road, with truck drivers reportedly being ambushed by robbers. The MPs called on the government to enhance security along these routes and allow free access through the Masindi-Kikomanyombo Gate for all vehicles until Karuma Bridge reopens.
Jennifer Driwaru emphasized the toll these extended travel routes are taking on the health of patients, particularly expectant mothers and those requiring urgent medical attention in Kampala. She also stressed the lack of an emergency air ambulance service in West Nile.
“These policies are severely impacting our people, especially those with medical emergencies who must endure long journeys for treatment. The government must realize that these are taxpayers and voters who deserve better,” Driwaru said.
Previously, lawmakers from the Acholi and Lango sub-regions protested the Shs25,000 fee charged to travelers passing through Murchison Falls National Park after the Karuma Bridge closure. They expressed concern over the heavy financial burden placed on both passengers and vehicle owners, with bus operators paying Shs210,000 per trip and smaller vehicles being charged Shs40,000, leading to an overall spike in transport costs to Northern Uganda.
However, the State Minister for Wildlife and Antiquities Martin Mugarra Bahinduka while addressing journalists, said the Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA will continue charging vehicles transiting through Murchison Falls National Park.
Mugarra said although they acknowledge the need for people to transit through the park unimpeded, they also have to balance between this and wildlife conservation.
“UWA has provided an alternative route through the park at free cost using the Bugungu gate. This route is about an extra 30 km to Kampala if one travels through Hoima. Given the travel through Kichumbanyobo gate is an additional 50 kilometer in the park and at the speed limit of 40 kilometer per hour, it will take the same time, if not shorter, to pass through the Bugungu gate and with numerous advantages to both people and wildlife,” Mugarra said.
Built in 1963, the Karuma Bridge serves as a vital gateway to Northern Uganda, and its closure on Monday September 23, 2024, has sparked public outcry, a concern echoed by MPs during the plenary session on Wednesday, 25 September 2024.
