Uganda Wildlife Authority just signed three big deals letting private companies build fancy tourist places in national parks. These agreements happened today at Protea Hotel in Kampala with Tourism Minister Martin Mugarra watching everything. Professor James Kalema put his name on papers for UWA, meeting with business people from Kagobed Holdings, Tang Group, Russell Hall, and Tian Tang Group.
These companies promised they would follow all the rules and finish building within two to five years. Together, they plan to spend over $28.5 million on these projects. Minister Mugarra seemed happy about this during the meeting and said these investments show Uganda welcomes tourism money. He talked about how these projects will make Uganda look better to visitors, help pay for animal protection, and create jobs.
Professor Kalema greeted the investors but reminded everyone about protecting nature. He asked them to ensure that experts check how their buildings might affect the environment. The head of UWA, Sam Mwandha, talked about picking partners who care about saving wildlife, not just making money. He said they looked hard at these investors before saying yes and will keep watching to make sure they help both animals and Uganda.
Kagobed Holdings will fix up Jacana Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park under the Serena Hotels name for $7 million. They want to add meeting rooms, a place for helicopters to land, and exercise areas. Tian Tang Group plans to build a glass bridge and restaurant at Murchison Falls for $20 million, hoping to attract more people with something special. Russell Hall, a Ugandan company, will spend $1.5 million on a luxury place to stay in Kidepo Valley National Park, working with French hotel brand TUI Blue to make it really nice.
These companies promised they would follow all the rules and finish building within two to five years. Together, they plan to spend over $28.5 million on these projects. Minister Mugarra seemed happy about this during the meeting and said these investments show Uganda welcomes tourism money. He talked about how these projects will make Uganda look better to visitors, help pay for animal protection, and create jobs.
Professor Kalema greeted the investors but reminded everyone about protecting nature. He asked them to ensure that experts check how their buildings might affect the environment. The head of UWA, Sam Mwandha, talked about picking partners who care about saving wildlife, not just making money. He said they looked hard at these investors before saying yes and will keep watching to make sure they help both animals and Uganda.
Kagobed Holdings will fix up Jacana Safari Lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park under the Serena Hotels name for $7 million. They want to add meeting rooms, a place for helicopters to land, and exercise areas. Tian Tang Group plans to build a glass bridge and restaurant at Murchison Falls for $20 million, hoping to attract more people with something special. Russell Hall, a Ugandan company, will spend $1.5 million on a luxury place to stay in Kidepo Valley National Park, working with French hotel brand TUI Blue to make it really nice.
