Grapevine

MPs push for free access to Murchison park

Members of Parliament from Northern Uganda have intensified their push for the government to grant free access to Murchison Falls National Park.

They argue that the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) should not be charging the current park fees of Shs25,000, because travellers to West Nile, Lango and Acholi have been forced to use the park by the ongoing rehabilitation of Karuma Bridge.

Led by the Kilak County MP, Mr Gilbert Olanya, the MPs staged a protest at the park on Monday, demanding the suspension of transport fees until the government grants free entry and exit.

“We want the government to allow all types of vehicles, both small and big, to pass through for free over the next three months. We need free accessibility,” Mr Olanya urged.

At Pakwach, heavy deployment of UPDF soldiers and police was seen, with security forces patrolling to prevent potential protests.