Murchison Falls National Park is set to receive major upgrades that are hoped to transform it into a premier tourist destination with the signing of three major concession agreements by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
The agreements, signed on March 27, 2025, will see the development of a state-of-the-art Glass Bridge and a 50-seater restaurant at the Top of the Falls, along with the construction of new luxury hotels in Uganda’s key national parks.
Tian Tang Group, a well-established investor with a strong footprint in Uganda, is behind the highly anticipated Glass Bridge project, which will be located at the Top of the Falls in Murchison Falls National Park.
The development, which represents a USD 20 million investment, is expected to be a game-changer for the region, offering visitors an iconic experience and providing a breathtaking view of the falls.
In addition to the Glass Bridge, the group will also build a 50-seater restaurant, further enhancing the park’s offerings for tourists.
The project is designed to attract visitors from around the world, promoting Uganda as a destination for unique, world-class attractions.
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Alongside this, Kagobed Holdings Ltd has committed to redeveloping and operating Jacana Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park under the Serena Hotels brand.
The USD 7 million investment will bring upscale facilities, including accommodation, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure, a helipad, a health club, and other modern amenities to the area. This will not only boost the park’s tourism capacity but also provide more opportunities for conservation and job creation.
Russell Hall Ltd, a Ugandan-owned hospitality company, will develop a luxury lodge in Kidepo Valley National Park, with an investment of USD 1.5 million.
This new lodge will be managed in partnership with the French hotel brand TUI Blue to ensure international standards of service and comfort, catering to high-end tourists seeking an authentic and luxurious African safari experience.
Investing in Sustainable Tourism and Conservation
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hon. Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, expressed his optimism about the impact of these investments.
“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.
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Professor James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, urged all concessionaires to ensure that environmental impact assessments are conducted.
“We are excited to work with investors who value not only business growth but also ecological integrity. These investments were rigorously reviewed and will be closely monitored to ensure they deliver value to both wildlife protection and the national economy,” said Professor Kalema.
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 added.