Chinese Tian Tang Group has signed a $20 million( approximately shs73.5 billion) agreement with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to develop Murchison Falls National Park.
According to the concession agreement signed, Tian Tang Group will construct a glass bridge and a 50-seater Restaurant at the top of the falls in Murchison Falls National Park.
The development will provide an iconic experience for visitors and promote Uganda as a destination for unique, world-class attractions.
The Chairman UWA Board of Trustees, Professor James Kalema, signed the agreements on behalf of UWA while Mr. Paul Zhang Zhigang Group Chairman Tian Tang signed on behalf of the group.
Speaking at the event, Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, emphasized Uganda’s readiness for investments in the tourism industry and expressed optimism that the investments will make a positive contribution to the country.
“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.
Professor James Kalema, Chairman of the UWA Board of Trustees, welcomed the new investors and emphasized the need for environmental diligence.
“We are excited to work with investors who value not only business growth but also ecological integrity. I urge all concessionaires to ensure that Environmental Impact Assessments are Conducted by qualified professionals and that all developments take into account the sensitivity of the ecosystems in which they operate”, said Prof. 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 said.
Murchison Falls National Park, located in northwestern Uganda, is the country’s largest and oldest conservation area.
Established in 1952, the park spans approximately 3,893 square kilometers and is famous for the powerful Murchison Falls, where the Nile River forces its way through a narrow 7-meter gorge before plunging 43 meters.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and the rare shoebill stork.
It is one of Uganda’s top tourist destinations, offering activities such as game drives, boat cruises, and nature walks.
