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UWA Signs Three Signs Three Concession Agreements To Boost Tourism Investment In Protected Areas
Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) on Thursday signed three major concession agreements with private investors to develop and manage high-end tourism infrastructure in Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth and Kidepo Valley national parks.
The signing ceremony that took place at Protea Hotel, Kampala, was presided over by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka.
The Chairman UWA Board of Trustees, Professor James Kalema, signed the agreements on behalf of UWA while Mr. Epic Kagoro, Ms. Patricia Akakunda, and Mr. Paul Zhang Zhigang, Group Chairmanof Tian Tang Group, represented the investors; Kagobed Holdings Tang Group Ltd, Russell Hall Ltd, and Tian Tang Group, respectively.
The three investors committed to fulfilling all concession requirements and pledged to have the facilities operational within the agreed timelines of two to five years. The developments represent a total direct investment of over USD 28.5 million into Uganda’s tourism sector.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, emphasized Uganda’s readiness for investments in the tourism industry and expressed optimism that the investments will make a positive contribution to the country.
“This is a strong signal that Uganda is open and ready for responsible investment in tourism. These projects will improve the quality of our tourism products, generate revenue for conservation, and create meaningful jobs for our people”, he said.
Professor James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, welcomed the new investors and emphasized the need for environmental diligence. “We are excited to work with investors who value not only business growth but also ecological integrity. I urge all concessionaires to ensure that Environmental Impact Assessments are conducted by qualified professionals and that all developments take into account the sensitivity of the ecosystems in which they operate”, said Prof. Kalema
Ms. Patricia Akakunda of Russell Hall Ltd shaking hands with Prof. Kalema after signing the concession agreement. Right is Minister Martin Mugarra
UWA Executive Director Sam Mwandha reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to balancing conservation and development. “We are deliberate about choosing partners who align with our conservation goals. These investments were rigorously reviewed and will be closely monitored to ensure they deliver value to both wildlife protection and the national economy”, he said.
The signing of these agreements marks a major milestone in UWA’s strategic vision to attract quality investment, improve tourism infrastructure, and promote Uganda as a premier eco-tourism destination in Africa.
The concession projects are as follows:
Kagobed Holdings Ltd will redevelop and operate Jacana Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park under the Serena Hotels brand. The investor has committed to an investment of USD 7 million to deliver an upscale facility complete with accommodation, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) infrastructure, a helipad, a health club, and other modern amenities.
Tian Tang Group, a well-established investor with diversified businesses in Uganda, will develop a Glass Bridge and a 50-seater Restaurant at the Top of the Falls in Murchison Falls National Park. With an investment of USD 20 million, the development will provide an iconic experience for visitors and promote Uganda as a destination for unique, world-class attractions.
Russell Hall Ltd, a Ugandan-owned hospitality company and operator of Bwindi Forest Lodge, will construct a USD 1.5 million luxury lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park. The lodge will be managed in partnership with the French hotel brand TUI Blue to ensure international standards of service and comfort.
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