KAMPALA, Uganda— The United Kingdom’s ongoing travel advisories for parts of western Uganda, particularly Semuliki and Queen Elizabeth National Parks, are significantly impacting tourism despite Uganda’s assurances of improved safety for visitors.
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against “all, but essential travel” to an area southwest of Kasese town, extending east to include the A109 road and south into Queen Elizabeth National Park. The advisory cites instability and violent conflict in neighboring provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) and the potential for spill-over into Uganda.
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However, the FCDO also acknowledges ongoing joint military operations between Uganda and the DR Congo against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group, noting that “Ugandan troops are present on both sides of the border as part of the operations.”
Tourism operators in western Uganda say the advisory has led to cancellations and undermined local livelihoods. Anna Santa Drale, managing director of Katara Lodge near Queen Elizabeth National Park, said the warnings discourage tourists, especially from the UK, because insurance companies won’t issue travel insurance.
Brian Maher, general manager of Mweya Safari Lodge within Queen Elizabeth National Park, confirmed that British High Commission officials visited the area on Feb. 10 to assess security alongside Ugandan tourism authorities. A Uganda Wildlife Authority source, who spoke anonymously, said the UK delegation expressed satisfaction with the safety conditions but the advisory remains unchanged months later.
Officials Call for Review
Speaking at the UK-Uganda Investment Forum in London on Tuesday, Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director Dr. James Musinguzi urged a review of the advisories. “Uganda has made significant progress in ensuring visitor safety across all protected areas,” he said. “We believe it is time for travel advisories to be reviewed and aligned with the current reality.”
Musinguzi was part of a Ugandan delegation that traveled to London on the inaugural Uganda Airlines direct flight to Gatwick, seeking to boost trade and investment. He encouraged investors to consider Uganda’s protected areas as vital for its tourism future and sustainable development. Basil Ajer, Uganda’s director for tourism, confirmed that officials from both countries agreed to maintain regular dialogue on the matter.
Semuliki National Park, covering 220 square kilometers of lowland tropical rainforest, is known for its diverse primate, butterfly, and bird species, as well as the Sempaya Hot Springs. Queen Elizabeth National Park, a 1,978-square-kilometer savannah, is a flagship conservation area boasting over 95 mammal species and offering game drives and boat cruises on the Kazinga Channel.
According to Uganda’s 2024 Tourism Statistical Abstract, Semuliki National Park received 42,545 visitors, while Queen Elizabeth National Park drew 124,645 visitors that year.
