By Davis Mugabi

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has said that all vehicles entering Murchison Falls National Park will be required to pay an entrance fee.

This follows a May 3, 2024, communication in which the Uganda National Road Authority (UNRA) said some elements of Karuma Bridge (the concrete deck) have detoriated, particularly on the Kampala approach lane. So, the authority said that the continued exposure of the bridge to the ever-increasing heavy traffic is likely to accelerate its degradation and serviceability if not addressed in time. UNRA used the opportunity to close the road to lorries, trailers, and buses on Monday, May 6, 2024. Alternative routes were provided. This is expected to go on for the next 3 months as the authority fixes the situation.

Although the bridge remains open to light traffic (vehicles carrying up to 28 passengers), heavy vehicles were banned from the bridge.

In a statement on May 5, 2024, UWA says that all vehicles entering the park will be required to pay an entrance fee, except for those specifically prohibited (lorries, buses, and trailers) from using Karuma as per UNRA’s directive.

UWA Manager for Communication and Public Relations, Bashir Hangi, says loitering, stopping, driving areas, and speed limits remain restricted while the road is open only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.