Uganda: Authorities heighten security at Uganda Wildlife Authority sites after fatal incident at Kidepo National Park Dec. 5

Event

Authorities have heightened security at all Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) protected sites nationwide following a fatal incident at the Kidepo National Park Dec. 5 in which an armed poacher and a ranger died. The full list of parks and reserves managed by the UWA is accessible here.

Police and military forces will likely increase security patrols, checkpoints, and searches of vehicles and personnel in the vicinity of all parks and reserves, most notably around the Kidepo National Park and along the border with South Sudan.

Context

While the tourism industry is an important factor in Uganda's economy, revenues declined significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities will likely maintain a heightened security posture at parks and reserves nationwide through at least the end of the peak of the tourism season end of January.

Advice

Plan for an increased security presence near all UWA sites nationwide. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by security personnel.