On June, 27 the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), with the support of U.S. Mission Uganda and the American people, commissioned new markers along the trail that are expected to boost tourism revenue in the park by approximately 50 percent over the next two years.

The improved trail in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park will enable tourists to explore cultural sites in the footsteps of the Batwa tribe in southwest Uganda.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) at the U.S. Mission will invest $31,000 to train Batwa people to serve as guides to tourists. Some of the money will be used to improve lighting, walkways, and shelters along the trail. These new features are expected to add $12,500 per year to national tourism revenue, with 50 percent going to approximately 200 local residents. America pledged to raise approximately $15 million in ecotourism and work with local government and communities to raise Uganda's profile as a premier tourist destination.

Andrew Seguya, the xecutive Director of UWA, said, besides increasing income for the Batwa, the new features will also play a big role in attracting tourists to the region. The agreement to create the Batwa trail was signed last year between UWA and the Kisoro district officials and local community.