Paul Tentena
9 August 2009
Kampala — TOURISM stakeholders are up in arms against the possible closure of Buligi Circuit in Murchison Falls National Park to pave way for oil exploration and drilling activities.
The stakeholders claim that the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) had given away part of the park commonly known as the "Delta Area" to Heritage Oil & Gas Company for oil prospecting.
"Discussions between UWA and Heritage have been clandestinely going on as regards to the extensive oil drilling activities expected soon," said Geoffrey Baluku, a tourism advocate and a member of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators.
"I think there is need to recognise the stakeholdership in this business. As long as we continue to see unilateral decisions and playing around with our wildlife resources like cards, then we are negating our wildlife areas to destruction," added Achilles Byaruhanga, the Nature Uganda managing director.
The Buligi Circuit is renowned worldwide for the rich diversity in game and bird species, including the endangered shoebill.
Baluku disclosed that UWA had sealed off the area and planned for new tourism tracks in the park, which include alternative new tracks to Buligi Circuit between Paraa and Wangkwar junction.
However, Moses Mapesa, the UWA executive director, denied the development.
"I call this total madness. How can we block an investment?
"So long as the investor follows the conservation and maintenance measures, and environment impact assessment granted, the Uganda Wildlife Authority will go ahead and accept that development," indicated Mapesa.
Baluku pointed out that the challenge as a country had been few accommodation facilities.
"Now that one of our most respected entrepreneurs in the lodge business (the Madhvani Group of Companies) are in the final stages of the new high-end Chobe Lodge, what would happen to the lodge when the area is closed," Baluku wondered.
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