Murchison Falls: How Tourism Is Transforming Communities and Protecting Wildlife

What the report says

Murchison Falls National Park is being presented by Nile Post as an example of how tourism can support conservation, local livelihoods and investment while protecting Uganda’s natural heritage. The piece says the park, one of the country’s oldest protected areas, is now drawing about 110,000 visitors in 2025 and remains a major destination around the time Uganda marks 64 years of Independence.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority, through spokesperson Bashir Hangi, said tourism revenue is shared with communities under a law requiring 20% of protected-area earnings to go back to nearby areas. According to the report, that money has helped fund enterprise projects such as beekeeping and supported public services including schools, health facilities, roads and water access. UWA also backs local scouts who help respond to human-wildlife conflict.

The article says wildlife numbers inside the park are rising, with gains reported for elephants, Uganda kobs, giraffes and lions. Hangi said the growth is encouraging but also increases pressure along the park boundary, where people and animals can come into conflict. The report links the increase in visitor numbers to stronger conservation awareness and the park’s mix of attractions, including the falls, boat trips and game drives.

Nile Post also reports that UWA wants to broaden tourism products by attracting private investors, including proposals for premium facilities such as a glass bridge experience. The authority is also using tools such as drones and EarthRanger to improve monitoring and protect the park as it develops.